The Veteran's initial noncompensable rating for right thumb scar is denied. A compensable rating of 10 percent, but not higher than, is granted since November 20, 2020.,The Veteran’s fracture of the right thumb distal phalanx (residuals) is remanded due to inadequate VA examination and need for new evaluation.,TDIU is remanded as it has been reasonably raised by the record.
The deciding factor: The preponderance of evidence does not support a compensable rating for right thumb scar prior to November 20, 2020. The Veteran's right thumb scar was found to be neither unstable nor painful.,The VA examination did not comply with the Board’s remand directives regarding range of motion testing and flare-ups assessment.,The Veteran has been considered disabled by Social Security Administration (SSA) records and his lay statements indicate he is unable to work due to service-connected disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- Right Thumb Scar, Fracture of Right Thumb Distal Phalanx
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 13, 2021
- Citation
- 21021494
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 21021494.
What this means for you
A remand sends an issue back for more development, often a new examination or missing records. It does not award the benefit or decide the final outcome. The original decision explains the additional work ordered.
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).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Board denied increased ratings for PTSD, right thumb disability, and right thumb scar but granted a 10% rating for the painful right thumb scar. The claims for increased initial ratings for bilateral wrist DeQuervain's syndrome and tendinitis were remanded.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the ratings for PTSD, TBI with neurocognitive disorder and vertigo, and a right thumb scar. The Board dismissed the appeal as a result.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to the need for a VA examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected right hand thumb and finger disabilities.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including Generalized Anxiety Disorder, IBS, Hemorrhoids, Right Thumb Scar, Right Ear Hearing Loss, and Tinnitus, rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment prior to January 15, 2020. The Board granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) for this period.
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