The appeal for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was dismissed, while the Veteran's left wrist disorder (arthritis) and certain finger disabilities were granted service connection.

The deciding factor: Service connection for a left wrist disorder was granted based on direct service incurrence, as arthritis of the left wrist has been directly related to his military service by a medical professional. The other claims for increased ratings were denied due to the lack of evidence showing that the disability picture more nearly approximated the criteria for higher ratings.

Claimed conditions

Acquired psychiatric disorder, Left wrist disorder (arthritis), Post-traumatic arthritis of the left index finger, Post-traumatic arthritis of the left thumb, Post-traumatic arthritis of the left little finger, Post-traumatic arthritis of the left ring finger

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

November 6, 2025

Citation

A25096857

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