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 assigned
- None in this 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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 21021494.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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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