The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his right ulnar neuropathy, finding that it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA schedule of ratings.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show complete paralysis or other severe impairment of the right hand due to service-connected right ulnar neuropathy, and the veteran's employment as a mechanic was found to be sufficient to indicate that he could perform all avenues of gainful employment without necessitating frequent hospitalization.
- Claimed conditions
- right ulnar neuropathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- June 14, 2006
- Citation
- 0617371
Veterans Law Judge
Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.
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 0617371.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found a duty to assist error occurred and remands the case for an addendum opinion regarding whether the Veteran's diagnosed right ulnar neuropathy is etiologically related to his active service, including conceded in-service exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to January 13, 2023 for service connection of right wrist condition and right ulnar neuropathy as these conditions were not shown to have been present before the receipt of his supplemental claim on that date.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for right and left ulnar neuropathy, finding that the evidence does not support a causal relationship between these conditions and either in-service injury or a service-connected disability.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeal of all claims on December 16, 2024.
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.