The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for left elbow tendonitis, hand dermatitis, and headaches. The RO assigned noncompensable ratings initially but later increased them to 10% and 30%, respectively.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations did not show any significant functional loss due to pain or weakness during flare-ups or when the joints were used repeatedly over a period of time, thus preventing higher initial ratings based on these factors.
- Claimed conditions
- left elbow tendonitis, hand dermatitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 5, 2000
- Citation
- 0023488
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 0023488.
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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for service connection on multiple conditions have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of the appeal.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for left and right shoulder strain, elbow tendonitis, and patellofemoral pain syndrome of the knees. Service connection is denied for left and right ankle disabilities and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for left elbow tendonitis and right elbow tendonitis, finding that the evidence is in approximate balance as to whether these conditions are related to active service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for left shoulder strain, right elbow tendonitis, and left elbow tendonitis due to a pre-decisional duty-to-assist error. The AOJ should reschedule VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.
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.