The Veteran's right long finger disability is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted based on current evidence.,The Veteran's scar of the right hand is currently rated as 10 percent disabling. The VA examiner noted no unstable or painful scars.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence does not support the need for a higher rating due to lack of functional impairment and non-compensable limitation of motion.
- Claimed conditions
- {"condition_name":"Degenerative changes of the right third metacarpophalangeal joint with limitation of motion (right long finger disability)"}, {"condition_name":"Status post cellulitis of the right hand (major) with residuals of hyperpigmented tender scar of the right third metacarpophalangeal joint (scar of the right hand)"}
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 22, 2020
- Citation
- 20080538
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.
- 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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for myasthenia gravis based on the Veteran's exposure to hazardous substances during his military service.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.