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Denied

The veteran's right-hand disability, characterized by post-traumatic arthritis and resulting pain and functional limitation of the little and ring fingers, does not meet the criteria for a higher rating than 10 percent.

The deciding factor: The VA examiner found that the veteran has favorable ankylosis of two digits (little and ring fingers) but no objective indication of occasional incapacitating exacerbations or other significant functional loss.

Claimed conditions
Post-traumatic arthritis of the right hand
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
10%
Decision date
June 20, 2008
Citation
0820352

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 0820352.

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