The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for right thumb disability and right hand neuropathy of the median nerve, finding that the evidence did not support higher ratings under applicable criteria.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations showed moderate incomplete paralysis in the right-hand disability and 20 percent ankylosis in the right thumb, which were consistent with the current ratings. No additional functional impairment was found to warrant a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- right thumb disability, right hand neuropathy of the median nerve
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 6, 2023
- Citation
- 23000985
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 service connection for various disabilities, including gastrointestinal issues, foot problems, ED, hemorrhoids, hernia, hypertension, nerve conditions in the lower extremities, shoulder and thumb issues, except for right ear hearing loss which was granted.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the matter for a new examination to correct a pre-decisional duty to assist error, specifically regarding the evaluation of the Veteran's right thumb disability.
- Partly granted
The Board denied increased ratings for PTSD, major depressive disorder, alcohol use disorder, and cannabis use disorder, lumbosacral strain, right elbow burn scars, pseudofolliculitis barbae, left ankle disability, right ankle disability, low testosterone, and left knee disability. However, service connection was granted for TBI, left forehead scar, and left arm scars.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine disability, bilateral hearing loss disability, and G6PD deficiency. The initial rating for the right thumb disability was also denied.
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