The Veteran's left thumb disability has not resulted in limitation of motion of other digits and functioning is not so diminished that amputation with prosthesis would equally serve him. The RO granted a 10 percent rating for painful scars in the left thumb, left wrist, and left forearm from September 22, 2015 to December 20, 2021, but denied entitlement to a rating in excess of 30 percent for painful scars of the left forearm, wrist, and hand from December 20, 2021.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as his thumb joint is ankylosed with extension and there is no limitation of motion that would warrant a higher evaluation under any DC. The scars are painful but do not result in functional loss sufficient to warrant a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Trauma to the left thumb, Post traumatic arthritis, Ankylosis of digit joint
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- February 6, 2023
- Citation
- 23007346
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 23007346.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
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The Veteran's service-connected post traumatic arthritis of the left and right ankles has been granted increased evaluations to 20 percent each, effective from March 5, 2007.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal is dismissed as he withdrew the appeal and did not specify any issues to be appealed.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent for post traumatic arthritis and osteoarthritis of both knees due to inadequate examination and outstanding VA treatment records.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected post traumatic arthritis changes to the right little finger joint have not been found to warrant a higher rating, as it does not meet the criteria for an increased rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.
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