The Veteran's right thumb disability, characterized by ankylosis of the metacarpophalangeal joint with a gap less than 2 inches between the thumb and fingers when attempting to oppose them, does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent.
The deciding factor: The findings from VA examinations show unfavorable ankylosis but no more than a 2-inch gap between the thumb pad and fingers with the thumb attempting to oppose the fingers, which corresponds to a noncompensable (0%) rating under DC 5228.
- Claimed conditions
- Metacarpophalangeal joint fusion of the right thumb
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- December 7, 2016
- Citation
- 1645819
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 1645819.
What this means for you
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