The Veteran's left thumb disability is rated at 10 percent, the maximum schedular rating available under DC 5228 for limitation of motion. The Board finds that his symptoms do not more nearly approximate a higher rating based on additional loss of function due to flare-ups or ankylosis.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's left thumb disability does not meet the criteria for a higher schedular rating under DC 5228, as there is no evidence of limitation of motion with a gap of more than two inches between the thumb pad and fingers, with the thumb attempting to oppose the fingers. The VA examinations did not indicate ankylosis or occasional incapacitating episodes.
- Claimed conditions
- osteoarthritis of the first carpometacarpal joint of the left hand
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- April 2, 2018
- Citation
- 1819698
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 1819698.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including scheduling a VA examination and issuing an SSOC.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a left hand injury is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining relevant service department records and affording the Veteran with a VA examination.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar myositis, psychoneurosis and conversion hysteria, residuals of shrapnel wounds of the left thigh and pelvis with retained foreign bodies and scars, and residuals of shell fragment wounds of the right thigh and left leg. The veteran was also denied entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.
- 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.
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