The Veteran's service-connected post-operative residuals of a right index finger injury do not meet the criteria for SMC based on loss of use of the hand. The separate condition, trigger finger, has resolved and does not affect his ability to work.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's grip strength is normal, indicating he can still grasp objects effectively. His ability to write and sign indicates he can manipulate objects with his right hand.
- Claimed conditions
- post-operative residuals of a right index finger injury, trigger finger (stenosing flexor tenosynovitis)
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- November 4, 2013
- Citation
- 1335592
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 1335592.
What this means for you
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