The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left hand disability is not related to his service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.
The deciding factor: The VA examiners' opinions were given significant weight as they are supported by physical examinations of the Veteran and a review of the claims file. The Veteran's lay assertions regarding the etiology of his current left hand complaints were found not competent medical evidence.
- Claimed conditions
- left hand crush injury, degenerative joint disease of the left hand first metacarpal joint and metacarpophalangeal joints
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 9, 2016
- Citation
- 1643083
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 1643083.
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 Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's conditions are related to noise exposure during active duty. Service connection for left hand crush injury is also granted.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for various conditions and service connection claims have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeals.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for specially adapted housing or special home adaptation grant was denied as she does not meet the criteria for assistance due to her service-connected disabilities.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for a Travel Board hearing and further development. The Veteran's appeal is currently in a pending state.
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.