The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate examination, and a new VA examination is required to assess whether there is ankylosis during flare-ups or repetitive use over time that would result in ankylosis of the right ring finger. The Veteran's overall hand function needs to be evaluated if ankylosis occurs.
The deciding factor: The Board found the December 2016 VA examination inadequate as it did not consider whether there was additional functional loss due to flare-ups or repetitive use over time, and thus remanded for a new examination.
- Claimed conditions
- laceration, right ring finger
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 24, 2020
- Citation
- 20074958
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for initial compensable ratings for right ring and little fingers due to an inadequate VA examination.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew the appeals for service connection of right pinky finger, right ring finger, and right middle finger.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
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This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.