The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as the evidence did not support higher ratings for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, left and right carpal tunnel syndrome, hyperhidrosis, and left inguinal hernia.
The deciding factor: The limitation of motion in the cervical spine was consistent with a 10 percent rating, and there were no neurological impairments or other factors that would warrant higher ratings for the carpal tunnel syndromes, hyperhidrosis, or inguinal hernia.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, Left carpal tunnel syndrome, Right carpal tunnel syndrome, Hyperhidrosis, Left inguinal hernia, status-post repair
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 18, 2009
- Citation
- 0910073
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.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, left and right upper extremity radiculopathy, as secondary to a service-connected lower back disability.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for an increased rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine and entitlement to TDIU due to the need for a medical opinion on whether the Veteran's symptoms amount to functional ankylosis.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and cervical spine, finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's combat service in the Persian Gulf.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, OSA, bilateral knee disorders, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, and a GI disorder as there was no evidence of these conditions during the appeal period. The claims were denied based on the lack of medical evidence supporting current diagnoses.
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