The Veteran's cervical spine disability is rated at 40 percent, but the Board finds no basis for a higher rating due to lack of unfavorable ankylosis.,A 10 percent rating has been granted for residuals of left index finger fracture. The Veteran already receives the highest schedular rating available for painful motion of the right little finger.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not show unfavorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine, which is required for a higher than 40 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 5243.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical Spine Diskectomy and Bone Fusion, Left Index Finger Fracture, Right Fifth Metacarpal (Little Finger) Fracture
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 2, 2022
- Citation
- 22019630
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 22019630.
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD is granted at a rating of 70 percent, but no higher. The right inguinal hernia and left index finger fracture are both denied as not compensable.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including increased ratings for cervical spine disability, right upper extremity neurological disorder, left upper extremity radiculopathy, right fifth metacarpal fracture, and left index finger fracture. The issues also include eligibility for financial assistance for an automobile and adaptive equipment or adaptive equipment only, specially adapted housing or special home adaptation, and special monthly compensation based on a need for aid and attendance or due to being housebound.
- Denied
The Veteran's left index finger fracture has been rated as noncompensable due to full range of motion and no functional impairment.
- Granted
The Board has determined that new evidence supports reopening the claim for service connection for residuals of a left index finger fracture or injury. The Veteran's current left hand arthritis is found to be related to his military service.
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