The Veteran's initial claim for a right ring finger disability prior to December 12, 2017 was denied as there was no reduction in earning capacity. From December 12, 2017 onwards, the Veteran received a 10% rating based on arthritis and painful motion of the right ring finger.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show ankylosis or other disability picture analogous to amputation, thus precluding higher ratings under Diagnostic Codes 5155 and 5230. The 10% rating was assigned as a result of degenerative or traumatic arthritis and painful motion on finger flexion.
- Claimed conditions
- Right ring finger disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- April 4, 2019
- Citation
- 19125412
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for all the claimed conditions as there was no evidence of a current disability in accordance with VA standards.
- Partly granted
The Board granted initial ratings for the Veteran's right thumb, index finger, and long finger disabilities, as well as a separate rating for his left thumb disability. The claims for increased ratings for the right ring and little fingers, and left ring and little fingers were denied.
- Dismissed
The appeal concerning the propriety of the rating reductions for the Veteran's right distal fibula disability and tinea pedis was dismissed, while SMC based on the need for aid and attendance was granted prior to February 20, 2024.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for an earlier effective date, a higher rating for PTSD, and a compensable rating for his right ring finger disability. The claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity was remanded.
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