The Board finds that the preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding of loss of use of the left hand, as there remains gross function of the hand. The veteran is better served by his left hand than he would be by a prosthetic device.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows impairment of fine motor skills due to neurological impairment but also establishes that there remains gross function of the hand.
- Claimed conditions
- Left upper extremity impairment
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 21, 2008
- Citation
- 0828516
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 0828516.
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: Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected Parkinsonism, as it meets the criteria for such benefits.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date for service connection of various disabilities, including Parkinson's disease and related conditions, as the earliest possible effective date was March 14, 2017, due to a new law that allowed presumptive service connection based on exposure to contaminants at Camp Lejeune.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities necessitate the need for regular aid and attendance, resulting in a grant of special monthly compensation (SMC) based on this requirement. Additionally, he is eligible for financial assistance to purchase an automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment due to his condition.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for Parkinson’s disease and secondary disabilities is granted with an effective date of July 7, 2009. The Board also finds the Veteran is entitled to an earlier effective date of July 7, 2009 for SMC based on housebound criteria.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.