The Board denied a compensable evaluation for limitation of motion in the left little finger due to Dupuytren's contracture, finding that the Veteran's disability did not meet or approximate the criteria for a compensable rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations showed painful motion and ankylosis of the left little finger but no gap between the pad of the thumb and the fingers or between the finger and proximal transverse crease of the hand on maximal finger flexion, which precluded a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 5230.
- Claimed conditions
- Dupuytren's contracture
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 2, 2022
- Citation
- 22011903
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 22011903.
What this means for you
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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 Dupuytren's contracture and degenerative arthritis of the right hand, but remanded the issue of TDIU due to service-connected disabilities.
- Denied
The Veteran's limitation of index finger due to right hand Dupuytren's contracture has been rated at 10 percent since the beginning of the appeal period. The Board found that a higher rating is not warranted as the condition does not meet criteria for more severe stages or other diagnostic codes.
- Dismissed
The appeal for an earlier effective date and a rating in excess of 30 percent for service-connected anxiety disorder, depression, and chronic sleep impairment is dismissed as the Veteran withdrew her appeal during the Board hearing.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for left hand surgery (Dupuytren's contracture) due to insufficient evidence and procedural errors.
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