The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right hand strain with tendonitis and painful thumb motion, as well as right hand strain with tendonitis and painful motion of the long finger, have been denied. The maximum schedular rating has already been assigned.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence does not show limitation of motion or a gap between the Veteran's thumb pad and fingers that would warrant a higher disability rating under applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- Right thumb strain, Painful thumb motion
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 15, 2021
- Citation
- 21022426
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 21022426.
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).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional development and clarification of the etiology of his claimed conditions.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's right hand strain with little finger PIP flexion contracture, right long finger strain, and right thumb strain have been granted separate 10 percent ratings. The right hand strain is not rated higher due to ankylosis of the little finger.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided that service connection is denied for right thumb strain. Service connection is remanded for diabetes mellitus type II and erectile dysfunction, as the AOJ did not obtain adequate medical opinions addressing these issues.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Board dismissed the issue of entitlement to service connection for right thumb strain with post-traumatic arthritis. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was denied a compensable rating, and he was granted a TDIU due to PTSD.
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