The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals of multiple fractures of the left thumb is denied as there is no evidence of a gap of more than two inches between the thumb pad and fingers, which would warrant a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence does not show a gap of more than 2 inches (5.1 cm) between the thumb pad and the fingers with the thumb attempting to oppose the fingers as required for a higher initial 20 percent rating under DC 5228.
- Claimed conditions
- Multiple fractures of the left thumb, Degenerative arthritis of the left thumb
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- January 28, 2020
- Citation
- 20006913
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 a compensable rating for left thumb degenerative arthritis prior to September 6, 2023, as the Veteran's condition did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.
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- Remanded (sent back)
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- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
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