Partly granted
The Board granted a 20 percent disability rating for the Veteran's left and right thumb rheumatoid arthritis, effective March 16, 2019, and also granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on loss of use of both hands.
The deciding factor: The evidence demonstrated unfavorable ankylosis of the thumbs from March 16, 2019, warranting a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5224. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities also prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment, supporting the TDIU grant.
- Claimed conditions
- left thumb rheumatoid arthritis, right thumb rheumatoid arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- December 11, 2025
- Citation
- A25106900
Want to see how appeals like this one tend to go? Appeals like mine
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