Veterans’ RightsAn independent resource for veterans
← All decisions
Whole decision: Denied

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hand disability, residuals of left and right finger injuries, and diabetes mellitus, type II were denied. Service connection was granted for status post lacerated wound, left index finger.

The deciding factor: Service treatment records showed a laceration to the left index finger in service which healed but resulted in persistent pain. The VA examiner found that the current neuropathic pain is less likely than not caused by the laceration injury.

Claimed conditions
Hernia, Bilateral Hand Disability, Residuals of Left Finger Injuries, Residuals of Right Finger Injuries, Residuals of Bilateral Shoulder Injury, Diabetes Mellitus, Type II
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating
Not verified here — check the original decision
Decision date
July 29, 2010
Citation
1028378

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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1028378.

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.

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.