The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his right thumb disability was denied as the evidence did not show ankylosis or a gap of more than two inches between the thumb pad and fingers, with the thumb attempting to oppose the fingers.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found no unfavorable ankylosis but only interphalangeal joint ankylosis which resulted in favorable ankylosis. The Veteran's symptoms were noted as pain and limited motion without adequate pathology supporting a higher rating based on functional impairment due to pain on motion.
- Claimed conditions
- Healed right first metacarpophalangeal fracture with residual thumb fibrosis, osteoarthritis, and trigger thumb
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- December 23, 2020
- Citation
- 20080688
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
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