The Veteran's right thumb scar is service-connected, and he is granted an initial evaluation of 10 percent for his residuals of a right thumb fracture. The Board also grants the Veteran increased evaluations for his right elbow DJD, lumbar spine disability, left lower extremity sciatica, and left hip DJD/limitation of flexion.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations supported the Veteran's claim that his current right thumb scar is related to a shrapnel wound injury during service. The Board granted service connection for this condition based on the presumption of soundness in combat Veterans.
- Claimed conditions
- Right Thumb Scar
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- September 16, 2015
- Citation
- 1539644
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 1539644.
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
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The Board denied increased ratings for PTSD, right thumb disability, and right thumb scar but granted a 10% rating for the painful right thumb scar. The claims for increased initial ratings for bilateral wrist DeQuervain's syndrome and tendinitis were remanded.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the ratings for PTSD, TBI with neurocognitive disorder and vertigo, and a right thumb scar. The Board dismissed the appeal as a result.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to the need for a VA examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected right hand thumb and finger disabilities.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including Generalized Anxiety Disorder, IBS, Hemorrhoids, Right Thumb Scar, Right Ear Hearing Loss, and Tinnitus, rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment prior to January 15, 2020. The Board granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) for this period.
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