The Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative joint disease of the left wrist and frostbite residuals of cold weather injury (frostbite) were denied. The claim for an initial compensable rating for a left wrist scar was granted with a 0% rating.
The deciding factor: There is no competent evidence linking current degenerative joint disease or frostbite residuals to service, including the Veteran's reported history of frostbite during service and his complaints of pain in both arms. The STRs are silent on these conditions, and there is no medical evidence showing a connection between any current disabilities and service.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Joint Disease of the Left Wrist, Frostbite Residuals of Cold Weather Injury (Bilateral Upper and Lower Extremities)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 0%
- Decision date
- October 3, 2013
- Citation
- 1332030
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 1332030.
What this means for you
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C was denied as the evidence did not support a finding that his condition began during active service or is related to an in-service injury.,The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for degenerative joint disease of the left wrist with osteopenia was also denied, as the evidence did not show ankylosis or other functional equivalent of ankylosis.
- Granted
The Veteran's left wrist DJD was granted an increased rating to 20 percent effective March 22, 2004. The earlier stage of the increased rating (prior to March 22, 2004) remains in appellate status.
- Granted
The Veteran's left wrist disability, characterized by degenerative joint disease, is currently rated at 10 percent under Diagnostic Code 5215. The Board found that the current rating adequately reflects the severity of his condition.
- Denied
The Board found that the Veteran's current left wrist disabilities, diagnosed as degenerative joint disease and De Quervain's tenosynovitis, were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The evidence did not show a pre-existing condition was aggravated during service.
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