The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed conditions, including right arm nerve conduction disability, mechanical low back pain, hiatal hernia with history of esophageal reflux, and left ulnar nerve palsy, do not warrant a higher rating under applicable VA regulations. The appeal is denied.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not support the presence or worsening of any service-connected conditions that would warrant an increased disability rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Right Arm Nerve Conduction Disability, Mechanical Low Back Pain, Hiatal Hernia with History of Esophageal Reflux, Left Ulnar Nerve Palsy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 15, 2005
- Citation
- 0533910
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 0533910.
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: Denied
The Veteran's left radial nerve palsy is currently rated at 40 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted. The Veteran's left ulnar nerve palsy has been granted a separate 30 percent disability rating from July 25, 2006 to June 14, 2017.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination of his lumbar conditions, including radiculopathy. The TDIU claim prior to May 26, 2021, remains on hold as it is inextricably intertwined with the increased rating claims.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has reopened the previously denied claims for PTSD, mechanical low back pain, arthritis, and left hand injury. However, further development is needed as new VA examinations are required to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment for which his education and occupational experience would otherwise qualify him.
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