The Board has granted a 40 percent rating for the veteran's service-connected residuals of right traumatic amputation of little finger distal phalanx, fracture of index finger distal phalanx, and fracture of distal phalanx of base of right thumb with traumatic arthritis and autonomic neuropathy.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the veteran's current disability picture warranted a 40 percent rating based on marked limitation of motion of the index and long (middle) fingers akin to favorable ankylosis, sensory loss of the palmar surface of the terminal phalanx of the index finger, and coldness in comparison to the left hand.
- Claimed conditions
- Right traumatic amputation of little finger distal phalanx, Fracture of index finger distal phalanx, Fracture of distal phalanx of base of right thumb, Traumatic arthritis, Autonomic neuropathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- August 23, 2005
- Citation
- 0523128
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 0523128.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including traumatic arthritis and thoracolumbar spine status post fusion, have resulted in the effective loss of use of both feet. The Board has granted eligibility for financial assistance to purchase an automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment due to these conditions. Additionally, the Veteran is also receiving SMC at the housebound rate based on his 100% disability rating from traumatic arthritis, thoracolumbar spine status post fusion.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased rating and service connection due to incomplete evidence, including VA treatment records not being associated with his file. The AOJ is instructed to obtain these records and provide a new VA opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral knee condition and left lower extremity radiculopathy.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for a left ankle fracture with traumatic arthritis was denied as his disability is already at the maximum schedular evaluation available.
- Granted
The Veteran's right foot injury, which included a puncture wound and traumatic arthritis, was granted an initial rating of 10 percent from February 27, 2015 to November 7, 2019.
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