The Board denied an increased rating for the Veteran's right thumb disability, finding that the current ratings of 10 percent and 20 percent were appropriate based on the evidence.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not support a higher rating as it did not show the necessary limitation of motion or ankylosis required for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- Right thumb disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 31, 2024
- Citation
- 24004938
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 all the claimed conditions as there was no evidence of a current disability in accordance with VA standards.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for acute right-side maxillary sinusitis and remanded the claims for headaches, a right thumb disability, and a left thumb disability.
- Partly granted
The Board granted initial ratings for the Veteran's right thumb, index finger, and long finger disabilities, as well as a separate rating for his left thumb disability. The claims for increased ratings for the right ring and little fingers, and left ring and little fingers were denied.
- Partly granted
The Board granted an initial 20 percent rating for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, but denied higher ratings and separate ratings for other knee and thumb disabilities.
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