The veteran's claim for automobile and adaptive equipment or adaptive equipment only was denied as the evidence did not show that he had service-connected disability resulting in loss of use of at least one foot or a hand, or permanent impairment of vision in both eyes.
The deciding factor: The veteran's service-connected disabilities did not meet the criteria for entitlement to automobile and adaptive equipment under VA regulations.
- Claimed conditions
- Adjustment disorder with depressed mood associated with status post injury of the MCP joint of right thumb with osteoarthritis and limited range of motion, Status post injury of the MCP joint of right thumb with osteoarthritis and limited range of motion, Glaucoma of the left eye, Migraine headaches associated with glaucoma of the left eye, Limitation of motion of the right wrist associated with status post injury of the MCP joint of right thumb with osteoarthritis and limited range of motion, Surgical scar as a residual of right hand injury
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 8, 2009
- Citation
- 0900859
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 appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining a new VA examination and medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's left eye glaucoma and his service or right eye glaucoma.
- Granted
The veteran was granted a 10 percent rating for glaucoma of the left eye, as the minimal disability rating for this condition is 10 percent.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
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