The Board denied increased evaluations for cold injury residuals of the fingers and feet, granted a 30 percent evaluation for cold injury residuals of the left foot, and denied an increased evaluation for PTSD.

The deciding factor: The Veteran's cold injury residuals did not meet the criteria for higher ratings due to the lack of evidence showing more severe symptoms or functional impairment. The grant of a 30 percent rating was based on pain, cold sensitivity, locally impaired sensation, and osteoarthritis in the left foot.

Claimed conditions

Cold injury residuals of the left thumb, Cold injury residuals of the left index finger, Cold injury residuals of the left long finger, Cold injury residuals of the left ring finger, Cold injury residuals of the left little finger, Cold injury residuals of the right thumb, Cold injury residuals of the right index finger, Cold injury residuals of the right long finger, Cold injury residuals of the right ring finger, Cold injury residuals of the right little finger, Cold injury residuals of the left foot, Cold injury residuals of the right foot, Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Dermatophytosis associated with a cold injury to the right foot

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

March 11, 2025

Citation

A25022324