The Board granted service connection for a left pinky finger disorder, a left thumb disorder, and erectile dysfunction (ED) based on the evidence showing that these conditions were caused by the Veteran's service-connected back disability.
The deciding factor: The favorable June 2023 VA examiner provided opinions supporting the nexus between the Veteran's service-connected back disability and his pinky finger disorder, thumb disorder, and ED, while the November 2023 VA examiner's opinion was found to be inadequate.
- Claimed conditions
- left fifth digit disorder (pinky finger disorder), left thumb disorder, erectile dysfunction (ED)
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 16, 2024
- Citation
- 24002292
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The Veteran was granted a 70 percent initial disability rating for PTSD effective December 2, 2021, but the claim for an increased rating in excess of 70 percent was denied. The appeal also included claims for service connection and ratings for various conditions, some of which were granted while others were remanded.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including tension headaches, bilateral plantar fasciitis, and a bilateral hearing loss disability. The Board also denied an initial compensable rating for the Veteran's headache disability.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for a deviated septum and right wrist pain, while denying service connection for sleep apnea. The decision also addressed various rating issues and effective dates.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for a back condition, numbness left upper extremity, allergic rhinitis, bilateral foot condition, BHL, ED, insomnia, and sinusitis. The only granted issue was service connection for hypertension.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.