The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for arthritis of both hands, finding that his current condition did not have onset during service and is not etiologically related to his active service.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found no evidence of a prior fracture or bony abnormality in the Veteran's right wrist, leading to the conclusion that his arthritis was not caused by an injury sustained during service.
- Claimed conditions
- arthritis of both hands
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- February 3, 2011
- Citation
- 1104492
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 1104492.
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's service connection claims for various joint disabilities, including arthritis of the hands, feet, legs, and shoulders, were granted. The conditions are considered to be due to natural progression or injury during service.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's arthritis of both hands is service-connected, as it is considered to be at least as likely as not due to his normal course of aging rather than being incurred in or aggravated by service.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis of the left knee, bilateral foot disorder, arthritis of both hands, and a disability manifested by burning and dry eyes as there is no competent evidence linking these conditions to his military service.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's bilateral CTS and OSA are found to be related to his service, with arthritis of both hands also being granted. The reduction in VA compensation benefits for military drill pay is upheld.
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