The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his bilateral knee disabilities and left carpal tunnel syndrome, as well as service connection for nasal scars, were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for retropatellar pain syndrome of the right knee or left knee, or for left carpal tunnel syndrome prior to November 26, 2010. From November 26, 2010, the evidence did not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for left carpal tunnel syndrome. Service connection was granted for nasal scar residuals from service.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not show that the Veteran's conditions met the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- retropatellar pain syndrome of the right knee, retropatellar pain syndrome of the left knee, left carpal tunnel syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 12, 2013
- Citation
- 1336737
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 1336737.
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 remanded the cases due to a duty to assist error, requiring new VA examinations for the appellant's left carpal tunnel syndrome and left wrist osteoarthritis.
- Dismissed
The Board has dismissed the appeal as it found that the benefits originally sought have been granted in full, and thus there is no longer a specific error of fact or law to address.
- Granted
The Veteran's left and right carpal tunnel syndrome have been granted increased ratings to 20% and 30%, respectively, effective from the date of the decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the claims for service connection for hypertension, left carpal tunnel syndrome, right carpal tunnel syndrome, and a left foot condition must be remanded due to inadequate medical opinions. The claim for an effective date of February 25, 2024 for bipolar disorder is granted.
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