The Board has granted service connection for right and left wrist osteoarthritis, as well as a fracture of the left fifth toe. The Veteran's current bilateral wrist disabilities are considered to be related to his active service.
The deciding factor: Competent medical evidence supports the finding that the Veteran's current bilateral wrist conditions are at least as likely as not related to his in-service injuries and occupational duties, including use of tools during his time as a structural mechanic. The fracture of the left fifth toe is considered a disability regardless of whether there are current associated symptoms.
- Claimed conditions
- Right wrist osteoarthritis, Left wrist osteoarthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 13, 2015
- Citation
- 1543720
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 1543720.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's right wrist osteoarthritis and right little finger fracture are rated at the maximum allowed under VA rating criteria, with no higher ratings available.,The Veteran's 5th metacarpal fracture is currently rated as noncompensable due to lack of ankylosis or other compensable factors. The Veteran's migraines remain rated at 50 percent, which is the highest possible rating under VA regulations.,The Board has remanded the claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU), as this issue was not fully adjudicated in the initial decision.
- Denied
The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for his right wrist disability and SMC based on the need for aid and attendance was denied. The Board found that the current 10 percent rating adequately reflects the Veteran's symptoms, including pain, weakness, and limitation of motion.
- Denied
The Veteran's right wrist disability, including osteoarthritis and scaphoid fracture, is currently rated at 10 percent. The appeal for a higher rating is denied.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right wrist osteoarthritis and left wrist radial fracture with dislocation, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on functional loss or ankylosis.
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