The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for an amputation at the DIP joint of the right index finger was denied. The disability is currently rated as 10 percent disabling under DC 5153, which pertains to amputations of the single index finger.
The deciding factor: The physical examination revealed no decrease in hand strength or any other hand symptoms and the Veteran's condition did not impact his usual daily and occupational duties. The location of the amputation was at the distal interphalangeal joint (DIP), which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under DC 5153.
- Claimed conditions
- Bilateral hearing loss, Amputation at the DIP joint of the right index finger
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- September 15, 2015
- Citation
- 1539409
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 1539409.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for a low back disorder was reopened, and his claims for increased ratings of bilateral knee instability were granted. His hearing loss claim was denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeals of the initial ratings for his service-connected chronic cough and bilateral hearing loss are remanded due to procedural errors in the evidentiary record.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral pes planus with hammer toes, hallux valgus and degenerative arthritis, sleep apnea, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and bilateral kidney cysts, rendered him unable to secure or follow gainful employment. The Board granted the TDIU based on these conditions.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus) do not prevent him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment.
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