Service connection was granted for carpal tunnel syndrome of the right wrist and left wrist. The Veteran's low back strain is rated at 10 percent prior to July 5, 2005; 20 percent from July 5, 2005 to June 7, 2011; and 40 percent since June 7, 2011.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome was granted service connection. For his low back strain, the initial evaluation prior to July 5, 2005 was 10 percent as he did not meet the criteria for higher evaluations under the old rating criteria. From July 5, 2005 to June 7, 2011, the Veteran's disability warranted a 20 percent evaluation based on his range of motion and muscle spasm. Since June 7, 2011, he is rated at 40 percent due to severe lumbosacral strain with abnormal gait.
- Claimed conditions
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome of the Right Wrist, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome of the Left Wrist
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- May 3, 2013
- Citation
- 1314702
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 1314702.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
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 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.