The Veteran's right thumb MCP degenerative joint disease with unfavorable ankylosis is granted a 20 percent rating, effective from the date of the decision.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations consistently showed symptoms consistent with unfavorable ankylosis (gap between the pad of the thumb and the fingers greater than 5.1 cm) throughout the period on appeal, which warranted a 20 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 5224.
- Claimed conditions
- Right thumb MCP degenerative joint disease, Right hand condition, Muscle pain, Joint pain, Arthritis, Loss of strength
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- June 26, 2020
- Citation
- 20043520
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 20043520.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
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