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Denied

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings for his service-connected neuropathy of the left 4th digit and status-post fracture and tendon rupture, left long finger tendonitis were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of the current 20 percent assigned under DC 8516 for the left 4th digit condition or the noncompensable ratings currently assigned for the left long finger condition.

The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms, while noted as painful and with some limitation of motion, did not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on incomplete severe or complete paralysis with griffin claw deformity. The evidence consistently showed mild to moderate incomplete paralysis, without significant loss of strength or atrophy.

Claimed conditions
neuropathy of left 4th digit, status-post fracture and tendon rupture, left long finger
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
20%
Decision date
September 18, 2019
Citation
A19001391

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 A19001391.

What this means for you

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