The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his left fourth finger disability has been granted, with a rating of 10 percent for the painful scar and no higher. A separate compensable rating is also granted for loss of use of the left fourth finger.
The deciding factor: The evidence supports the current 10% rating for the painful scar on the left fourth finger due to its nature as a residual from ligament repair, which aligns with the 'direct' service connection theory. The separate compensable rating for loss of use is granted based on ankylosis and hyperextension at specific joints.
- Claimed conditions
- Left fourth finger ligament repair
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- September 13, 2011
- Citation
- 1134163
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 1134163.
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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