The Veteran's cervical spine disability is rated at 40 percent, but the Board finds no basis for a higher rating due to lack of unfavorable ankylosis.,A 10 percent rating has been granted for residuals of left index finger fracture. The Veteran already receives the highest schedular rating available for painful motion of the right little finger.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not show unfavorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine, which is required for a higher than 40 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 5243.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical Spine Diskectomy and Bone Fusion, Left Index Finger Fracture, Right Fifth Metacarpal (Little Finger) Fracture
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 2, 2022
- Citation
- 22019630
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 22019630.
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 PTSD is granted at a rating of 70 percent, but no higher. The right inguinal hernia and left index finger fracture are both denied as not compensable.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including increased ratings for cervical spine disability, right upper extremity neurological disorder, left upper extremity radiculopathy, right fifth metacarpal fracture, and left index finger fracture. The issues also include eligibility for financial assistance for an automobile and adaptive equipment or adaptive equipment only, specially adapted housing or special home adaptation, and special monthly compensation based on a need for aid and attendance or due to being housebound.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's left index finger fracture has been rated as noncompensable due to full range of motion and no functional impairment.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has determined that new evidence supports reopening the claim for service connection for residuals of a left index finger fracture or injury. The Veteran's current left hand arthritis is found to be related to his military service.
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