The Veteran's service-connected left and right thumb disabilities, along with bilateral wrist degenerative conditions, have resulted in loss of use of both hands at the wrist level. The Board has granted entitlement to special monthly compensation (SMC) based on this condition.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities had resulted in a significant loss of function in his thumbs and wrists, necessitating SMC under § 1114(m).
- Claimed conditions
- Left Thumb, Right Thumb, Bilateral Wrist Degenerative Conditions
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 15, 2022
- Citation
- 22063773
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 22063773.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted earlier effective dates of January 21, 2015 for the Veteran's claims related to his right thumb, left thumb, right index finger, left index finger, right long finger, and left long finger. The Board also granted a rating of 20 percent for the Veteran's service-connected right ankle disability.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's right thumb disability is currently rated at 10 percent and the claim for an increased rating has been denied.,The Veteran's right index finger disability is currently rated at 10 percent and the claim for an increased rating has been denied.,The Veteran's right long finger disability is currently rated at 10 percent and the claim for an increased rating has been denied.,The Veteran's right ring finger disability is currently rated at 0 percent (noncompensable) and the claim for an increased rating has been denied.,The Veteran's right little finger disability is currently rated at 0 percent (noncompensable) and the claim for an increased rating has been denied.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of his right thumb and elbow disabilities have been denied. The right thumb disability is currently rated at 10% since September 22, 2015. The right elbow disability was initially rated at 10%, then changed to 30% effective September 25, 2019, and subsequently back down to 10% thereafter.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied separate ratings for neurological residuals of right thumb, right foot and left foot disabilities as the Veteran's symptoms are not related to his service-connected conditions.
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