The Board granted a 40 percent rating for median neuropathy at the DIP of the left index finger, and denied a higher rating for partial amputation of the left index finger. The Board also granted 10 percent ratings for right and left ankle tendonitis and strain.

The deciding factor: The severity of the left index finger neuropathy was determined to be severe, warranting a 40 percent rating. For the ankles, moderate limitation of motion supported the assignment of 10 percent ratings.

Claimed conditions

Median neuropathy at the DIP of the left index finger, Partial amputation of the left index finger with comminuted fracture of distal phalanx and shrapnel DIP, left index finger sprain, and injury to flexor muscle, Right ankle tendonitis and strain, Left ankle tendonitis and strain, Bilateral hearing loss, Hypertension (HTN), Left knee disorder, Right knee disorder

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

February 7, 2025

Citation

A25011579

Want to see how appeals like this one tend to go? Appeals like mine