The Board denied increased ratings for PTSD, right thumb disability, and right thumb scar but granted a 10% rating for the painful right thumb scar. The claims for increased initial ratings for bilateral wrist DeQuervain's syndrome and tendinitis were remanded.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for higher ratings due to their level of occupational and social impairment, which was more closely aligned with a 30% or 50% rating under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders. The granted 10% rating for the painful right thumb scar was based on the presence of pain.
- Claimed conditions
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Right Thumb Disability, Right Thumb Scar, Left Wrist DeQuervain's Syndrome and Tendinitis, Right Wrist DeQuervain's Syndrome and Tendinitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 8, 2025
- Citation
- A25087256
Want to see how appeals like this one tend to go? Appeals like mine
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.