Question:

i had a fracture of my left wrist at age 13 (1978) which my whole left hand and wrist became infected resulting in surgery. Upon entrance I noted that I had surgery to my left hand. I have since developed severe osteoarthritis to my wrist and moderate in my hand. My wrist will require fusion surgery which is already scheduled.Can this be determined to be service connected? I filed for VA disability for both

Jim's Reply:

It may be service connected because of aggravation to a pre-existing condition. The original injury could have been stressed to the point where what was a stable old injury is flared up again. That's how you should file a claim...aggravation to the pre-existing condition.