The Veteran's service-connected left-hand disability is being remanded for a new VA examination to reassess the severity of his condition, as the previous examination was inadequate.
The deciding factor: The prior examination did not adequately address possible functional impairment during repeated use over time and failed to provide sufficient information regarding additional loss of range of motion on repeated use.
- Claimed conditions
- left thumb pain, left index finger pain, left long finger pain, left ring finger pain, left little finger pain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 23, 2021
- Citation
- 21076328
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 21076328.
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.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for left little finger pain, finding that the Veteran's symptoms began during his active duty training and are related to a benign bone cyst noted in his STRs. The Board resolved reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.
- Granted
The Veteran's claims for right wrist fracture, left thumb pain, and tinnitus were granted with an effective date of January 2, 2024.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including erectile dysfunction and an acquired psychiatric disorder, have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a current diagnosis of erectile dysfunction or any other claimed condition.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for scarring, right orchiopexy and remanded the claim of asbestos exposure residuals. Other claims for service connection were denied.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.