The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for left wrist arthritis, an acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD, anxiety disorder not otherwise specified, and alcohol dependence), and a higher rating for his service-connected left scaphoid fracture. The decision found no current evidence of arthritis or any other mental health condition for VA compensation purposes.
The deciding factor: The Board determined that the Veteran did not have current disabilities for which he could seek service connection, as there was no evidence of arthritis or psychiatric conditions in his claims file.
- Claimed conditions
- left wrist arthritis, anxiety disorder not otherwise specified, alcohol dependence
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 12, 2017
- Citation
- 1738270
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 1738270.
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 obstructive sleep apnea and dismissed all other appeals related to various joint conditions.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty-to-assist error, and will need to obtain an opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability with alcohol dependence.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including persistent depressive disorder and anxiety disorder not otherwise specified, are found to be related to his service. His alcohol use disorder and cannabis use disorder are also found to be secondary to these conditions. The Veteran's PTSD claim is denied due to lack of verified in-service stressor. Bilateral hearing loss and gastroesophageal reflux disease claims are also denied.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left wrist arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome, finding that these conditions are related to his service-connected right wrist disability.
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