The Veteran's limitation of index finger due to right hand Dupuytren's contracture has been rated at 10 percent since the beginning of the appeal period. The Board found that a higher rating is not warranted as the condition does not meet criteria for more severe stages or other diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's Dupuytren's contracture was rated based on its impact on range of motion and grip strength, which were within normal limits with no ankylosis. The Board found that a higher rating is not warranted as the condition does not meet criteria for more severe stages or other diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- Dupuytren's contracture
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- January 7, 2026
- Citation
- 26000176
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 26000176.
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for Dupuytren's contracture and degenerative arthritis of the right hand, but remanded the issue of TDIU due to service-connected disabilities.
- Dismissed
The appeal for an earlier effective date and a rating in excess of 30 percent for service-connected anxiety disorder, depression, and chronic sleep impairment is dismissed as the Veteran withdrew her appeal during the Board hearing.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for left hand surgery (Dupuytren's contracture) due to insufficient evidence and procedural errors.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various conditions due to inadequate development and lack of proper nexus opinions. The Veteran was exposed to toxic substances during his military service, including TCE, benzene, butadiene, toluene, methyl ethyl ketone, gasoline, jet propellant, cadmium, fuels, cleaning solvents, degreasing agents, paint stripper, fumes, and exhaust.
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