The Board denied service connection for a bilateral hand disorder and bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions began during active service or are otherwise related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.
The deciding factor: The evidence of record persuasively weighs against finding that the Veteran's diagnosed disorders began during service or are otherwise related to an in-service injury, event, or disease or developed secondary or were aggravated by a service-connected disability.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral hand disorder (other than carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)), including numbness, arthritis, bilateral Dupuytren's contracture, and other specified forms of arthropathy, bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 4, 2025
- Citation
- 25007525
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the appeal to obtain a VA medical opinion that considers the Veteran's contentions of in-service training with heavy gear and equipment.
- Partly granted
The appeal for service connection for fibromyalgia was granted with an effective date of August 14, 2023. The appeals for earlier effective dates and higher ratings were denied.
- Partly granted
The Board granted an initial 40 percent disability rating for bilateral eye disabilities but denied ratings for abdominal scars, hypertension, and remanded claims related to thrombosis and arthritis.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for an eye condition, hearing loss, heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes due to a regulatory duty to assist error.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.