The veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome of the right wrist was granted service connection. However, his hiatal hernia with reflux esophagitis and gastroesophageal reflux is currently evaluated at 30 percent and no higher due to lack of evidence showing additional impairment warranting a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The veteran's symptoms have been adequately addressed by the current 30% evaluation, which takes into account his need for regular dilation procedures. There is no new or material evidence presented that would support an increase in disability rating beyond this level.
- Claimed conditions
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome of the Right Wrist, Hiatal Hernia with Reflux Esophagitis and Gastroesophageal Reflux
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- June 29, 2001
- Citation
- 0117415
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 0117415.
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 Board has remanded the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, fibromyalgia, a skin disorder (melasma), and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome due to incomplete STRs and inadequate examination opinions. The AOJ is instructed to obtain all relevant records and schedule VA examinations.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, but no higher. Other issues related to his service-connected disabilities are remanded for further review.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied service connection for residuals of vasectomy, left foot toenail fungus, right foot toenail fungus, carpal tunnel syndrome of the left wrist, carpal tunnel syndrome of the right wrist, and a left upper arm disability. The Board also denied service connection for a right elbow disability.,The Board denied service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome of the right wrist and a left elbow disability.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's right shoulder disability is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, but the Board found that a higher rating is not warranted due to limitation of motion above shoulder level.,Similarly, the Veteran's left shoulder disability is currently rated as 10 percent disabling and the Board determined no higher rating was warranted based on similar findings of limited motion above shoulder level. ,The Veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome of the right wrist is currently rated at 10 percent due to mild incomplete paralysis of the median nerve, but the Board found that a higher rating is not warranted as it does not result in moderate or severe incomplete paralysis.
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.