The Board denied service connection for a right thumb disability and denied increased ratings for the Veteran's unspecified trauma and stressor related disorder, right wrist disability, coronary artery disease (CAD), chronic rotator cuff tear of the right shoulder, and TDIU from December 7, 2010 to December 7, 2012. The Board found that there was no evidence linking the Veteran's current right thumb basal joint arthritis to service or a service-connected disability.
The deciding factor: The preponderance of the evidence did not support a finding of a linkage between the onset of the right thumb basal joint arthritis and a period of service or service-connected right wrist disability.
- Claimed conditions
- {"condition_name":"Right Thumb Basal Joint Arthritis"}, {"condition_name":"Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)"}
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 13, 2020
- Citation
- 20073043
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.
- 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.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for myasthenia gravis based on the Veteran's exposure to hazardous substances during his military service.
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.