The Board granted a higher disability evaluation of 10 percent for the veteran's service-connected left thumb injury, which was initially rated as 10 percent disabling. The rating is effective from May 7, 1992.
The deciding factor: The VA examination revealed that the veteran had ankylosis of the metacarpophalangeal joint with a flexion deformity of 64 degrees and unsightly, tender scar on the left thumb. The limitation of motion was objectively confirmed by findings such as swelling and decreased sensitivity to light touch and pain.
- Claimed conditions
- post-traumatic stress disorder, rupture, left radial collateral ligament, status post reconstruction, with traumatic arthritic change
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- April 5, 2004
- Citation
- 0408730
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 0408730.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the Veteran's claim for an increased rating for post-traumatic stress disorder to provide her with another opportunity to attend a new VA mental health examination.
- Granted
The Board grants the appeal in full, granting service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder.
- Dismissed
The appeal was dismissed due to the Veteran's death during the pendency of the appeal.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder, resolving reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor.
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