The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of shell fragment wounds of the fingers, degenerative arthritis of the hands as secondary to shell fragment wounds of the fingers, and residuals of shell fragment wounds of the legs. The evidence did not show these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by active military service.
The deciding factor: The VA examination report indicated no current disabilities related to the veteran's claimed injuries, and the examiner opined that any arthritis was not likely caused by the reported shrapnel wounds.
- Claimed conditions
- residuals of shell fragment wounds of the fingers, degenerative arthritis of the hands, residuals of shell fragment wounds of the legs
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 29, 2004
- Citation
- 0434284
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 0434284.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection claims have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.
- Dismissed
The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and degenerative arthritis of the hands as there is no active appeal before the Board.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's clothing allowance claims for further review due to inconsistencies in the reasoning and bases provided. The issues of service connection for a low back disability and compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 are deferred until the low back disability appeal is resolved.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, including traumatic brain injury.
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