The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for the Veteran's residuals of a right thumb fracture, as there was no evidence of a gap greater than two inches between the thumb pad and fingers or any ankylosis.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's right thumb did not exhibit a gap of more than 2 inches (5.1 centimeters) between the thumb pad and fingers, with the thumb attempting to oppose the fingers, which is required for a higher rating under DCs 5224 or 5228.
- Claimed conditions
- Residuals of right thumb fracture
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- October 12, 2021
- Citation
- 21062754
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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