The Board denied the veteran's claims for an initial rating greater than 10 percent for a left thumb disability and an initial compensable rating for a left thumb scar, as there was no evidence of limitation of motion or instability that would warrant a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's left thumb range of motion did not meet the criteria for a higher rating, and his left thumb scar affected less than 144 square inches without any additional symptoms to warrant a compensable rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Bennett's fracture, left thumb, Left thumb scar
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 7, 2024
- Citation
- 24032803
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection due to a need for additional development, including verification of active duty, ACDUTRA, and INACDUTRA periods, and medical examinations.
- Denied
The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for right knee, left knee, right thumb, left thumb, and cervical spine conditions due to a lack of evidence showing these disabilities began during active service or are otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
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