The Veteran's service-connected left hand disability, diagnosed as left ulnar neuropathy due to nerve damage from an in-service laceration, warrants a 30 percent evaluation for the entire period on appeal.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows moderate incomplete paralysis of the left ulnar nerve with symptoms including numbness, tingling, and occasional loss of use of the fifth finger throughout the hand.
- Claimed conditions
- Left ulnar neuropathy, Scar disability of the left hand
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- October 27, 2020
- Citation
- 20069664
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
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board granted earlier effective dates for the increased ratings of PTSD, DJD lumbar spine, and left ulnar neuropathy back to March 1, 2018.
- Granted
The Veteran's right ulnar neuropathy is rated at 30 percent, effective February 22, 2019.,The Veteran's left ulnar neuropathy is rated at 20 percent, effective February 22, 2019.,The Veteran's temporomandibular displaced disc is rated at 30 percent, effective February 22, 2019.
- Denied
The Board determined that the RO correctly calculated the Veteran's combined disability rating of 60 percent, and denied a higher combined evaluation.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
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.