Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for initial increased ratings for degenerative arthritis of the fingers due to an inadequate VA examination.
The deciding factor: The May 2024 VA examiner's report was found inadequate as it did not consider the Veteran's use of medication during flare-ups and repeated use over time, which is necessary for accurate rating decisions.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative arthritis, other than posttraumatic arthritis, right thumb, Degenerative arthritis, other than posttraumatic arthritis, right index finger, Degenerative arthritis, other than posttraumatic arthritis, right long finger, Degenerative arthritis, other than posttraumatic arthritis, right ring finger, Degenerative arthritis, other than posttraumatic arthritis, right little finger, Degenerative arthritis, other than posttraumatic arthritis, left thumb, Degenerative arthritis, other than posttraumatic arthritis, left index finger, Degenerative arthritis, other than posttraumatic arthritis, left long finger, Degenerative arthritis, other than posttraumatic arthritis, left ring finger, Degenerative arthritis, other than posttraumatic arthritis, left little finger
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 19, 2025
- Citation
- A25100599
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