The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected disabilities do not warrant an increased rating, as his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation under applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The veteran's disability from status post C6-7 discectomy with left arm muscle weakness does not meet the criteria for a schedular rating in excess of 20 percent due to moderate, incomplete paralysis of the upper radicular group on the minor side. The disability from left carpal tunnel syndrome is rated at 10 percent under Diagnostic Code 8515 and there are no symptoms indicative of more severe incomplete paralysis. The veteran's hiatal hernia with reflux does not meet the criteria for a schedular rating in excess of zero percent.
- Claimed conditions
- Status Post C6-7 Discectomy with Left Arm Muscle Weakness, Left Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Hiatal Hernia with Reflux
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- February 28, 2000
- Citation
- 0005147
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 0005147.
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.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, left hip disability, left shoulder disability, back disability, cervical spine disability, right carpal tunnel syndrome, left carpal tunnel syndrome, and tinnitus as the evidence did not support a current diagnosis of these conditions or their relation to active-duty service.
- Granted
The Veteran's entitlement to a 10 percent rating for right and left Carpal Tunnel Syndrome was granted, effective from August 25, 2021. This decision is based on evidence showing an increase in symptoms of the condition starting around August 25, 2021.
- Denied
The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings on various service-connected conditions have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating in any of these cases.
- Denied
The Veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.
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