was incurred in service. 38
U.S.C.A. § 1110, 5107 (West 1991)
REASONS AND BASES FOR FINDINGS AND CONCLUSION
The veteran's service medical records are negative for
complaints, findings or diagnoses of a right hand
disability. The December 1945 separation examination notes
a history of a fracture of the right fifth metacarpal. It
was indicated that a report of this injury was not included
in the service medical records.
In September l978, the veteran filed a claim for service
connection for a back disability. There was no mention of a
right hand disability at this time.
Postservice progress notes dated from March 1958 to November
1977 from John A. Powers, M.D. show that the veteran made no
complaints regarding his right hand and contains no
diagnosis of a right hand disability. Charlotte Memorial
Hospital records dated from April 1958 to February 1959
pertain to treatment forthe
right hand.
In April l989, the veteran filed a claim for residuals of a
right hand fracture.
In September 1989, identical statements were submitted by
J.H. Halsey and George N. Nelms, who reportedly served with
the veteran. Both indicate that they recalled that the
veteran broke his right hand unloading gas drums in 1944.
In September l989, a letter was received from a private
physician. He indicated that the veteran had an old
traumatic arthritis involving the right hand.
In October 1989, the veteran submitted a statement which
indicated that as a result of a fracture of the right hand
in service, he had residual weakness in the hand. Arthritis
developed in that hand in approximately 1958. He asserted
that he received treatment from John A. Powers, M.D. from
1960 to 1980 for arthritis in his hand, receiving injections
and prescriptions.
In January 1990, the