The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his lumbosacral strain with residual degenerative disc disease and fracture of the right thumb were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support an evaluation in excess of the current ratings.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not show incapacitating episodes or unfavorable ankylosis, nor a gap greater than two inches between the thumb pad and fingers as required for higher evaluations under Diagnostic Codes 5243 (for intervertebral disc syndrome) and 5228 (for limitation of motion).
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral strain with residual degenerative disc disease, fracture of the right thumb
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- July 17, 2017
- Citation
- 1727823
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 1727823.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted with an effective date of October 1, 2009.
- Granted
The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be etiologically related to his period of active service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition. The right thumb and hand conditions are remanded for further development.
- Dismissed
The veteran's appeals for increased ratings for his right thumb and right fifth finger fractures have been withdrawn. The issue of service connection for a right knee disorder remains pending.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claim for disability compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 because the injury to his right thumb was not caused by a VA examination, and thus did not meet the criteria for benefits.
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