The veteran's service-connected nonspecific synovitis of the left third metacarpal joint is granted a 10 percent evaluation, and his service-connected surgical scar at the web of the left hand is also granted a 10 percent evaluation. The claim for SMC based on loss of use of a finger of the left hand is denied, as the veteran's ability to grasp objects with his left hand is essentially normal.
The deciding factor: The veteran's service-connected nonspecific synovitis and surgical scar are both rated at the maximum allowable under the applicable rating criteria.
- Claimed conditions
- nonspecific synovitis of the left third metacarpal joint, surgical scar at the web of the left hand, between the index and middle fingers
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- April 28, 2006
- Citation
- 0612361
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 0612361.
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
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