The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's right fifth finger disability. A new VA examination is needed to determine if the condition is related to service.
The deciding factor: The decision was remanded because the provided medical opinions were based on a lack of current symptoms, which may not be accurate given the Veteran's reported ongoing symptoms.
- Claimed conditions
- right fifth finger disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- March 28, 2023
- Citation
- 23019019
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 23019019.
What this means for you
A remand sends an issue back for more development, often a new examination or missing records. It does not award the benefit or decide the final outcome. The original decision explains the additional work ordered.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for hypertension, erectile dysfunction, sleep apnea, a right fifth finger disability, and an acquired psychiatric disability due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his right wrist disability and back disability, rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation as of August 9, 2015. The Board granted the TDIU effective from that date.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right fifth finger and right knee disabilities due to incomplete service personnel records. The Veteran's file will be returned after compliance with appellate procedures.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for an initial compensable disability rating for service-connected old fracture middle phalanx, fourth digit and service connection for a right fifth finger disability are being remanded due to the need for 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.