My decision came today with both good and bad news. The good news is that they granted service connection for a "Fracture, left third and fourth metacarpals status post open reduction and internal fixation with scar". Of course, they couldn't deny that since I fell off of an obstacle during training and I had to have a metal plate and four screws put into my hand. So why am I infuriated? I got a big fat goose egg for my rating. They based it on range of motion and "Joint function is not additionally limited by pain, fatigue, weakness, lack of endurance, or incoordination after repetitive use." That is absolutely false. The Muskogee VA Regional Office is using a third party contractor to do the C & P exams. QTC out of San Antonio is their name and they contracted a civilian family practice doctor in Bixby, OK to do my exam. I specifically told him that I have significant muscle weakness in my left hand and frequent hand pain that comes and goes throughout the day especially during changes in weather. He tested me by having me squeeze his fingers and well, you've read what he put in his report. So, I'm enrolled in the VA until my combat veteran status expires in August 2009 afterwhich I'll be a Priority 8 veteran and I'll be disenrolled from the VA. I apparently make too much income to use what I've earned during almost 10 years of service to my country. Anybody else going to a contracted physician?