The Board has remanded the case due to unclear ratings for the Veteran's left thumb scar and needs clarification on the effective dates of the assigned ratings.
The deciding factor: The AOJ must clarify the period of time each rating is effective and the diagnostic code under which it was assigned.
- Claimed conditions
- left thumb scar, right knee and left thumb associated with anterior cruciate ligament tear, status-post arthrotomy/meniscectomy with degenerative changes
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 2, 2023
- Citation
- 23006575
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 23006575.
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.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that the evidence did not support higher ratings or service connection for the claimed conditions.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew her appeal in its entirety prior to the promulgation of a decision, citing satisfaction with the October 2024 supplemental statement of the case and rating decision.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the appeals of entitlement to increased disability ratings, initial compensable ratings, and initial disability ratings for lumbosacral strain, chronic rhinitis, and headaches. The appeal of service connection for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and left thumb scar was also dismissed.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the issues of entitlement to earlier effective dates for left thumb disability and scar, as well as initial ratings for these conditions. The Veteran's claims are pending further development.
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.