The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed right hand disabilities, including Dupuytren's contracture, Boutonnière deformity of the small finger (central slip injury), and right hand arthritis, did not have their onset during active military service. The current diagnoses are considered to be more likely related to post-service occupational activities rather than service.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's degenerative changes in multiple joints of his right hand were subtle and diffuse, suggesting they may be age-related rather than service-connected.
- Claimed conditions
- Dupuytren's contracture, Permanent partial flexion of the right little finger, Boutonnière deformity of the small finger (central slip injury), Right hand arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 2, 2017
- Citation
- 1703157
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 1703157.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty to assist error and insufficient medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's right hand disorder.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for Dupuytren's contracture and degenerative arthritis of the right hand, but remanded the issue of TDIU due to service-connected disabilities.
- Denied
The Veteran's limitation of index finger due to right hand Dupuytren's contracture has been rated at 10 percent since the beginning of the appeal period. The Board found that a higher rating is not warranted as the condition does not meet criteria for more severe stages or other diagnostic codes.
- Dismissed
The appeal for an earlier effective date and a rating in excess of 30 percent for service-connected anxiety disorder, depression, and chronic sleep impairment is dismissed as the Veteran withdrew her appeal during the Board hearing.
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