The Board denied service connection for a joint disability including degenerative arthritis of the left index finger interphalangeal joint and mild osteoarthritis of the left hand, finding that there was no credible evidence showing these conditions began during active service or were related to an in-service injury or disease. Service connection for HSV was also denied.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran's statements regarding his hand/finger joint disability and its relationship to service were not credible due to inconsistencies with his medical history, lack of contemporaneous documentation, and the absence of any left-hand symptoms during active service.
- Claimed conditions
- Joint disability, Degenerative arthritis of the left index finger interphalangeal joint, Mild osteoarthritis of the left hand
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 9, 2023
- Citation
- 23060501
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 23060501.
What this means for you
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- Remanded (sent back)
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- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's appeal for special monthly compensation based on loss of use of his left foot, as there was no evidence showing that the service-connected conditions resulted in functional limitation equal to that of amputation of the left foot with prosthesis.
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