The Veteran's right thumb fracture residuals are currently rated at 10 percent, effective March 17, 2011. The Board denied a higher rating as the evidence did not show more than a gap of 1 to 2 inches between the thumb and fingers with the thumb attempting to oppose the fingers.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not consistently show a gap greater than 2 inches between the Veteran's right thumb pad and fingers, which is required for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5228.
- Claimed conditions
- Right thumb fracture
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- October 8, 2020
- Citation
- 20065589
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's right thumb disability is remanded due to the inadequacy of the December 2018 VA examination in considering flare-ups and functional loss.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.