The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for the Veteran's degenerative joint disease of the right hand, finding that his condition did not meet criteria for higher ratings due to lack of ankylosis or incapacitating exacerbations.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed limited motion but no significant functional loss or ankylosis, which precluded a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Joint Disease of the Right Hand
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 1, 2021
- Citation
- 21066496
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 21066496.
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: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, degenerative joint disease of the right hand, left ear hearing loss, bilateral tinnitus, and a right hand scar, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted entitlement to TDIU based on these conditions.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for asthma and remanded the issue of a higher rating for degenerative joint disease of the right hand.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated at 10 percent, and the Board has remanded for further review. The Veteran's TDIU claim prior to October 27, 2015, was also remanded due to unemployability caused by service-connected disabilities.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and multiple joint disorders, are found to be severe enough to prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.
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