The Board finds that the Veteran's current left wrist disability, including a ganglion cyst and carpal tunnel syndrome, is not etiologically related to her military service or a service-connected right wrist condition.
The deciding factor: VA examinations and opinions have consistently concluded that any current left wrist conditions are more likely due to diabetes mellitus-related nerve damage rather than service connection or aggravation by the service-connected right wrist ganglion cyst.
- Claimed conditions
- Left wrist ganglion cyst, Left wrist carpal tunnel syndrome
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- March 4, 2014
- Citation
- 1409146
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1409146.
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 right wrist carpal tunnel syndrome and left wrist carpal tunnel syndrome are currently rated at 30 percent and 20 percent, respectively. The Board denied the claims for higher ratings as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under DC 8515.,The Veteran's osteoarthritis of the right ankle and left ankle are both currently rated at 10 percent. The Board denied the claims for higher ratings as there is no evidence that meets the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Codes 5003-5271.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's residuals of a left wrist ganglion cyst excision are rated at 10 percent, the minimum compensable rating. The condition is characterized by pain and limited range of motion.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea secondary to service-connected lumbar spine and bilateral knee disabilities. The claims of service connection for hypertension, fatigue, left wrist carpal tunnel syndrome, right wrist carpal tunnel syndrome, left upper extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy, right upper extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and a neck condition are remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and to determine whether there is a nexus between his claimed conditions and his military service, including any toxic exposure during the Gulf War.
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