The Board found that authorization for the veteran to receive treatment at non-VA facilities for a nonservice-connected right hand injury in October 1991 was not warranted, and denied both issues of whether VA should have authorized such treatment and payment or reimbursement for unauthorized medical expenses.
The deciding factor: The Board determined that the treatment provided at the private medical facilities was not for a service-connected disability or one associated with an already service-connected condition. The veteran's right hand injury did not meet any eligibility criteria under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1710 to receive hospital care at VA expense.
- Claimed conditions
- right hand injury
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 29, 2002
- Citation
- 0203926
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 0203926.
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).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The appeal for entitlement to left hip injury, right hip injury, and right hand injury was dismissed as these issues were not properly appealed. The remaining claims are remanded for further development.
- Whole decision: Granted
The veteran's PTSD rating was increased to 70% and service connection for a right hand injury secondary to PTSD was granted.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for lower back bulging disc L4-L5, broken left finger with misplaced bone, right ankle sprain, and right hand injury due to a duty to assist error. The Veteran is required to be afforded VA examinations to determine if he has residuals from these conditions and whether they are at least as likely as not related to service.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection and rating for left foot condition, bilateral pes planus, right hand injury, and chronic headaches due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal.
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