The Veteran's right thumb sprain and right shoulder disability were denied increased ratings.,Specifically, the Veteran's right thumb sprain was not found to meet criteria for a compensable rating prior to November 4, 2022, or greater than 10 percent thereafter. The right shoulder disability was also denied an evaluation greater than 20 percent.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's right thumb sprain did not present with limitation of motion of the thumb as required for a compensable rating under DC 5228, and his right shoulder disability did not meet criteria for a higher rating under DC 5201 due to lack of flexion or abduction limited to 45 degrees.
- Claimed conditions
- Right Thumb Sprain, Right Shoulder Impingement Syndrome (Right Shoulder Disability)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 18, 2024
- Citation
- 24002626
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 1,446 · Granted: 21% (granted or partly granted, in the indexed decisions on this site)
Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.
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 24002626.
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 is granted special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected stroke residuals. He is also granted financial assistance for automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment due to permanent loss of use of the left hand.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's right thumb disability is rated at 10 percent from October 31, 2014 to February 18, 2016. A higher rating of more than 10 percent for the right thumb disability is denied. Service connection for neck strain and back strain is also denied.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the extent of any muscle injury or disability associated with the Veteran's service-connected right-hand disorders, including his right thumb sprain and right hand metacarpal fracture.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted restoration of a 10 percent rating for the Veteran's right thumb sprain as of March 1, 2017.
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