The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for various thumb conditions and scars, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's right and left thumbs and associated scars did not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on the range of motion, pain, and functional loss observed during examination.
- Claimed conditions
- right gamekeeper's thumb, right hand status post fifth metacarpal fracture, left thumb strain status post-surgical repair with painful motion (left thumb disability), left thumb/hand extensor scar, painful left thumb scar
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 9, 2025
- Citation
- A25050639
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 denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for the Veteran's painful left thumb scar and remanded the claim for an increased rating for status post RCL repair left thumb MCP joint due to insufficient examination evidence.
- 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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
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