The VA denied compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for additional disability of the left hand, status post surgery for Dupuytren’s contracture due to lack of evidence showing that the carelessness or negligence by VA caused the worsening.
The deciding factor: VA found no evidence of clinical error in the September 2012 surgery and post-operative therapy, and the less-than-complete return to normal left-hand range of motion is within possible outcomes for this procedure.
- Claimed conditions
- Dupuytren's contracture
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 14, 2021
- Citation
- 21022102
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 21022102.
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 Dupuytren's contracture and degenerative arthritis of the right hand, but remanded the issue of TDIU due to service-connected disabilities.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for left hand surgery (Dupuytren's contracture) due to insufficient evidence and procedural errors.
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