The Board has determined that the Veteran's right thumb disorder warrants a ten percent initial rating under Diagnostic Code 5228, as there is evidence of a gap of three centimeters between his thumb pad and fingers with the thumb attempting to oppose them. The appeal is granted.
The deciding factor: The private medical examination found a gap of three centimeters between the right thumb pad and the fingers, meeting the criteria for a ten percent rating under DC 5228.
- Claimed conditions
- Right Thumb Disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- September 20, 2017
- Citation
- 1740858
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 1740858.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol use disorder and cannabis use was granted an initial evaluation of 70 percent. Other service connection claims were denied or remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has denied an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for the Veteran's right thumb disorder, finding that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating based on current medical evidence. The appeal is remanded for further development regarding service connection claims.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and cervical spine disorder. Service connection was granted for tinnitus. The Board also found that the Veteran's right thumb disorder did not have its onset during active service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right thumb disorder and diabetes mellitus type II. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and to schedule VA examinations.,Service connection for coronary artery disease (CAD) and hypertension is also being remanded due to incomplete record development.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.