The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected right thumb injury, finding that the most probative evidence shows symptoms of limited motion with a gap between the thumb and fingers of one to two inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm).
The deciding factor: The VA examinations consistently showed a gap of less than or equal to 5.1cm between the thumb pad and fingers, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Right Thumb Injury
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- January 31, 2022
- Citation
- 22005021
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 22005021.
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.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for right thumb injury, finding that there is no evidence to support a nexus between his current numbness and an in-service injury.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected conditions require the regular aid and attendance of another person, leading to a grant of special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's petition to reopen the claim for service connection for a right thumb injury is granted. The claims of service connection for back injuries are remanded due to outstanding VA treatment records and need for further examination.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for residuals of a right thumb injury, but the case is remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding service connection for sleep apnea and to assess the severity of the right thumb disability. The issues of TDIU are also being addressed.
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