The Veteran's service-connected left wrist disabilities have approximated loss of use of the left hand, warranting a higher 60 percent rating on an extra-schedular basis and SMC based on consequent loss of use of the left hand.
The deciding factor: The Veteran experienced significant functional impairment in his left upper extremity due to pain, weakness, stiffness, swelling, giving way, locking, fatigue, and cramping. His employment was affected, leading to a substantial reduction in work hours and income.
- Claimed conditions
- left wrist fracture, left ulnar neuropathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 60%
- Decision date
- March 24, 2017
- Citation
- 1709214
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 1709214.
What this means for you
A partial grant means some issues were granted while others were denied or remanded — common in multi-issue claims. Look at which issues went which way, and how each was argued.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for service connection for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma was denied, and the Board found that no effective date prior to May 30, 2019 is warranted.
- Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for left wrist disability, finding that it was presumed aggravated by service and there is no clear and unmistakable evidence of its increase in severity due to natural progression.
- Granted
The Veteran's initial disability rating for his left wrist fracture is granted at a 10 percent level, effective from the date of claim.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the AOJ's decision denying service connection for a left wrist disability was based on an inadequate medical opinion. The Veteran's current left wrist condition is related to his documented in-service injury, and a remand is required to obtain an adequate medical opinion.
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