The Veteran's claims for service connection for frostbite residuals to the right and left hands, as well as a higher rating for median and ulnar neuropathy of the left upper extremity prior to February 15, 2017, were denied. The Veteran was granted an initial 40 percent rating for his left hand condition beginning before February 15, 2017.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not support a finding that the Veteran had current diagnoses of frostbite residuals to either hand or moderate incomplete paralysis of the median and ulnar nerves resulting in a higher rating than 40 percent for his left upper extremity condition.
- Claimed conditions
- frostbite residuals to right hand, frostbite residuals to left hand
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- June 14, 2019
- Citation
- 19146581
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
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