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Denied

The Board denied a compensable initial rating for the Veteran's right fifth finger contracture, finding that there was no ankylosis or amputation and only one joint affected by arthritis.

The deciding factor: The evidence did not show ankylosis or amputation of the right little finger, and arthritis affecting multiple joints is required to warrant a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 5230.

Claimed conditions
Right fifth finger contracture
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
None in this decision
Decision date
May 18, 2020
Citation
20034477

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 20034477.

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