The VA determined that the veteran's right wrist condition did not meet the criteria for SMC based on loss of use of the upper extremity, as he retained more use than would be possible with an amputation.
The deciding factor: The VA found that the veteran had marked limitation of motion in his right wrist but still retained effective function other than what could be equally well served by an amputation with a suitable prosthetic appliance.
- Claimed conditions
- Right wrist arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- January 25, 2006
- Citation
- 0602155
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
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 all service connection claims for further development and to correct a pre-decisional duty to assist error.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities due to a pre-decisional duty-to-assist error.
- Denied
The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for right wrist arthritis and neuropathy is denied. The rating for right wrist arthritis remains at 10 percent, while the initial compensable rating for right wrist neuropathy prior to January 6, 2015, is denied. A higher rating for right wrist neuropathy since January 6, 2015, is also denied.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a right wrist disability, finding that there was no evidence linking his current condition to service or any presumptive conditions.
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