The Board found that the veteran's service-connected left hand disability, which is rated at 10 percent under Diagnostic Code 5309 (injury to Muscle Group IX), does not warrant a higher evaluation as there are no findings of additional impairment due to pain, weakness, excess fatigability or incoordination. The examiner opined that the veteran's complaints of left hand pain and weakness are more likely related to aging than his service-connected condition.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner determined that the veteran’s current symptoms were not attributable to his service-connected left hand disability but rather due to natural progression and aging, which does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under Diagnostic Code 5309.
- Claimed conditions
- Trauma to left hand, muscle group IX
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 2, 2001
- Citation
- 0100045
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0100045.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
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