The veteran's claim for an increased rating for carpal tunnel syndrome of the right upper extremity is denied. The Board finds that her current disability level does not warrant a higher evaluation than the currently assigned 10 percent rating. For special monthly compensation by reason of need for regular aid and attendance, the evidence shows that the veteran requires assistance with daily activities due to her physical limitations and medical conditions.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations and other medical records do not support an increased rating for carpal tunnel syndrome beyond the currently assigned 10 percent evaluation. The veteran's need for special monthly compensation is supported by her inability to dress, undress, feed herself, or attend to her basic needs due to her physical limitations.
- Claimed conditions
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (Left Upper Extremity), Myofascial Pain Syndrome/Fibromyalgia of the Neck and Shoulders with Headaches, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Depression
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- June 29, 2000
- Citation
- 0017231
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 0017231.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome, left upper extremity, status post carpal tunnel release is granted an initial rating of 60 percent. Service connection for right wrist carpal tunnel syndrome is also granted.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted effective dates for TDIU, SMC, and DEA based on his service-connected conditions. The Board also determined that the Veteran's PTSD alone warrants a TDIU prior to May 31, 2024.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the Centralized Eligibility and Appeals Team (CEAT) decision denying the Veteran's eligibility for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) is inadequate due to insufficient reasoning. The appeal is being remanded to obtain a more detailed medical opinion addressing the Veteran's need for personal care services, supervision, and protection.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for higher ratings and separate ratings for neuralgia and neuritis for her service-connected carpal tunnel syndrome was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of mild, moderate, or severe incomplete paralysis of the median nerve, which would warrant higher disability ratings.
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