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
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- 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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0005147.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for an initial compensable disability rating for a head scar, service connection for right and left carpal tunnel syndrome are being remanded due to duty-to-assist errors. The Board will obtain VA examinations and medical opinions to address the relevant evidence.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's left carpal tunnel syndrome and median nerve paralysis are currently rated at the highest possible rating under VA regulations, but do not meet the criteria for a higher rating as they have not shown complete paralysis or substantial loss of use of the hand.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service connection claims for generalized anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), liver condition, joint pain, intestinal condition, kidney condition, sleep apnea, vein condition, right carpal tunnel syndrome, left carpal tunnel syndrome, and lumbar spine disability have all been granted.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's appeal for a higher disability rating for left carpal tunnel syndrome was denied by the Board. The condition is currently rated at 30 percent, which reflects mild incomplete paralysis of the major extremity.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
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.