The Veteran's service connection claim for right foot arthritis is granted. The rating for the right wrist scar remains at 10 percent, and a compensable rating for broken right pinky finger is also granted.,Service connection for right foot arthritis is established as it is related to in-service events. A higher rating for the right wrist scar is denied due to lack of evidence supporting an increase beyond 10 percent. The broken right pinky finger disability remains at a noncompensable level.

The deciding factor: The Veteran's current right foot arthritis was directly related to service, as evidenced by his in-service complaints and post-service medical history.,The VA examiner concluded that the right wrist scar is not unstable or painful, thus warranting only a 10 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 7804. The Veteran’s symptoms of tingling and numbness are attributed to other sources rather than the scar itself.,The broken right pinky finger disability remains at a noncompensable level as there is no evidence of ankylosis or limitation of motion affecting other digits.

Claimed conditions

{"condition_name":"Right Foot Arthritis","service_connection_theory":"direct"}, {"condition_name":"Right Wrist Scar","service_connection_theory":"direct"}, {"condition_name":"Broken Right Pinky Finger","service_connection_theory":"direct"}

How they argued it

Not specified

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

10%

Decision date

October 8, 2020

Citation

20065548