The Board has granted a higher initial 20 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected right and left thumb disabilities, effective from January 14, 2013.
The deciding factor: The VA examiners found that the Veteran's bilateral thumb disabilities were productive of pain and weakness, tenderness, weakened grip, decreased range of motion, and other functional loss factors during flare-ups or after repetitive motion. However, his disabilities did not meet criteria for favorable or unfavorable ankylosis of any fingers or actual amputation.
- Claimed conditions
- Right thumb disability, Left thumb disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 5, 2021
- Citation
- 21027204
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 21027204.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
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: Granted
The Veteran's hair loss and some other conditions are granted service connection, while the right hand disability is denied. The Veteran also has a new rating for his low back condition.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claims for increased rating of insomnia disorder, service connection for left thumb disability, and service connection for OSA have all been denied as the Veteran failed to appear for necessary VA examinations without good cause.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's initial claim for a compensable rating for left small finger laceration was denied. The Board has now remanded the case to assign an appropriate rating due to the need for further examination and consideration of new evidence.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Board dismissed the claims for service connection for various disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss, right knee, right hand, left knee, right ankle, and residuals of a traumatic brain injury due to untimely appeals or lack of evidence supporting current disability.
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