The Veteran's initial increased rating for first metacarpal left hand strain with pain is denied as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher than 10 percent rating.,An initial compensable rating (10%) was granted for fifth metacarpal left hand strain with pain.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's first metacarpal left hand strain does not have a gap greater than two inches between the thumb pad and fingers, which is required for a higher than 10 percent rating under DC 5228.,His fifth metacarpal left hand strain has been rated at 10% based on limitation of motion.
- Claimed conditions
- First metacarpal (thumb) left hand strain, Fifth metacarpal (little finger) left hand strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- October 14, 2020
- Citation
- 20066333
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 2,242 · Granted: 24% (granted or partly granted, in the indexed decisions on this site)
Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 20066333.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
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