The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and SMC were denied. The fifth metacarpal fracture of the right hand was found to not meet criteria for a compensable evaluation.,The fourth metacarpal strain of the right hand was also found not to meet criteria for a compensable evaluation. Additionally, entitlement to SMC based on loss of use of the right hand was denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's fifth and fourth metacarpal disabilities do not result in functional impairment that exceeds what is provided by the current schedular rating criteria.,There is no evidence showing that the Veteran has lost effective function in his right hand, other than what would be equally well served by an amputation with a prosthetic appliance.
- Claimed conditions
- Right hand fifth metacarpal fracture, Right hand fourth metacarpal strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 16, 2022
- Citation
- 22064096
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 22064096.
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 right hand fifth metacarpal fracture has been granted a 10 percent rating, effective from the date of the decision.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's residuals of a right hand fifth metacarpal fracture are manifested by pain and swelling, but no limitation of motion or ankylosis. The Board denied a compensable rating as the disability does not meet the criteria for any higher evaluation based on limitation of motion.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's right hand fifth metacarpal fracture disability is currently rated as noncompensable. The Board finds that a compensable rating is not warranted.,The Veteran's right and left knee disabilities are remanded for additional examination to determine the current nature and severity of his service-connected disabilities.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's right hand fifth metacarpal fracture has been rated as noncompensable, and the evidence does not support a higher rating based on current functional impairment.
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