The Veteran's left thumb disability has been manifested by limited or painful motion, but not ankylosis of the thumb. The Board denied a higher rating as his condition did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Codes 5228 and 5224.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's left thumb disability did not result in unfavorable ankylosis or symptoms more nearly approximating ankylosis, thus not meeting the criteria for a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- left thumb injury
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- March 14, 2022
- Citation
- 22014481
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 22014481.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for status post reconstruction of right nasal side-wall defect with advancement flap with pharyngitis and remanded the other issues.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for facial scarring, left index finger injury, left ring finger injury, left little finger injury, left thumb injury, left wrist injury, and skin disease (claimed as 'rash all over body') due to potential new evidence. The Veteran will be provided a VA examination if his preexisting conditions are confirmed during the appellate period.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration, including obtaining service treatment records, determining if the Veteran was exposed to toxic substances while serving in the Navy, and providing a medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's prostate cancer.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for her left thumb injury with limited motion is remanded due to the inadequacy of the January 2022 VA examination and the need for an addendum opinion.
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.