The Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 70 percent for left distal forearm amputation and a separate rating for left arm phantom pains were denied. The Board found that the maximum available combined schedular rating for disabilities below the insertion of the deltoid is 70 percent, which precludes any additional ratings.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's left distal forearm was already rated at 70 percent under Diagnostic Code 5122 due to amputation below the insertion of the deltoid. The Amputation Rule limits combined schedular ratings for disabilities of an extremity to the rating for the amputation at the elective level.
- Claimed conditions
- Left distal forearm amputation, Left arm phantom pains
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 16, 2021
- Citation
- A21020153
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 A21020153.
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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