The Board has determined that new and material evidence was submitted to reopen the claims for residuals of a left wrist injury, right hand disability (claimed as residuals of right fourth finger injury), but denied service connection on the merits.
The deciding factor: Service records do not show any chronic disabilities related to these issues. The veteran's current symptoms are attributed to his post-service activities and conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical strain with degenerative changes, Left wrist injury with arthritis, Right hand disability (claimed as residuals of right fourth finger injury)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- November 21, 2003
- Citation
- 0332695
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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 0332695.
What this means for you
A partial grant means some issues were granted while others were denied or remanded — common in multi-issue claims. Look at which issues went which way, and how each was argued.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for cervical strain with degenerative changes and thoracic strain with degenerative changes were denied as the evidence did not show that the disabilities warranted a rating in excess of 20 percent.
- Granted
The Board granted an increased rating of 30 percent for cervical strain with degenerative changes, effective September 21, 2009. The Veteran's service-connected conditions were found to be new and material.
- Denied
Since January 15, 2003, the Veteran's cervical strain with degenerative changes has not met the criteria for a higher evaluation than 20 percent.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development to determine the current severity of his service-connected cervical spine disability, including any related trapezius strain and neurological symptoms. Clarification is also needed regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's reported occipital region pain and headaches.
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