The Board denied reopening the claims for service connection of left and right hand pain as new evidence did not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claims.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's statements did not link her current diagnoses or symptoms to service, despite having a current diagnosis of erythromelalgia.
- Claimed conditions
- left hand pain, right hand pain
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- February 8, 2021
- Citation
- 21007126
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 21007126.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for left hand pain is being remanded due to a duty-to-assist error. The Board will need to provide an adequate medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's claimed condition and his military service, including exposure to burn pits.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis, left ankle crepitus, left hand pain, right hand pain, and irritable colon syndrome (IBS).
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the claims of service connection for left hand pain and right hand pain due to a duty to assist error. The Veteran's VA treatment records show he has been treated for arthritis in both hands, which may be associated with his in-service use of weapons. However, a VA medical examination is needed to determine if there is a nexus between the current disability and service.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied service connection for bilateral hand arthritis, right and left hand pain, and lumbosacral strain as there was no evidence of current disability or in-service injury, disease, or event.
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