The Veteran's initial rating for his right thumb disability was granted, but he is now challenging the assigned noncompensable (0 percent) rating. The Board has ordered a new VA examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected right thumb disability.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the last VA examination did not address whether the Veteran's ankylosis was favorable or unfavorable, which is necessary for determining the appropriate rating under Diagnostic Code 5224 (Thumb, ankylosis of:).
- Claimed conditions
- right thumb, fracture sequela, ankylosis of right IP joint, post-traumatic arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 15, 2023
- Citation
- 23045121
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 23045121.
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: Granted
The Board has granted an initial 20 percent rating for the Veteran's left knee medial meniscal tear with residual post-traumatic arthritis, but denied any higher ratings. The decision is based on the evidence showing some limitation of motion and pain during flare-ups.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's initial claim for a higher evaluation of his bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis and post-traumatic arthritis was granted, effective June 2, 2019. The rating assigned is now 50 percent. An earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea has been dismissed.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's right shoulder disability, including rotator cuff tendonitis, labral tear, post-traumatic arthritis, subscapularis tendinosis, and adhesive capsulitis, was rated at 40 percent effective February 21, 2024. The issue of a TDIU is remanded.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claims for increased PTSD rating, SMC based on housebound status, and TDIU are all denied. The effective date of the 100% disability rating for PTSD is set at November 25, 2019.
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