The Veteran's left middle finger disability, including the fracture and degenerative joint disease, was found to be at least as disabling as a 10 percent rating prior to December 15, 2011. As of that date, it did not warrant an increase beyond this level.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's left middle finger disability had painful motion and arthritis but no limitation of motion or ankylosis, which warranted a 10 percent rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- Fracture of left middle finger, Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) of left middle finger
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- May 19, 2017
- Citation
- 1717313
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 1717313.
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.
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- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected coronary artery disease, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the severity of his condition.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected musculoligamentous strain, right knee, is currently rated at 10 percent and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted as the evidence shows a current diagnosis of PTSD, an in-service stressor, and a medical link between the two.
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