The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral upper extremity neurological disorders, including CTS of the hands and degenerative joint disease of the shoulders, were not incurred during his military service or due to a service-connected disability. The initial noncompensable rating for a bilateral hearing loss disability prior to July 7, 2012, was denied, as well as an increased rating beyond 10 percent from that date.
The deciding factor: The VA examiners' opinions were based on the absence of chronic shoulder and hand conditions during and immediately after service discharge in 1991, which contradicted the Veteran's reported symptoms and medical records indicating arthralgia and subsequent diagnoses post-service.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral CTS, degenerative joint disease of the shoulders, bilateral ulnar nerve entrapment of the elbows
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 4, 2014
- Citation
- 1414929
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 1414929.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral CTS, right and left shoulder disabilities, and right and left knee disabilities due to insufficient evidence or conflicting medical opinions.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for corneal ulcers, bilateral foot disability, bilateral CTS, cervical spine disability, and right knee disability are not granted due to lack of current diagnoses. The cases have been remanded for further development.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded several issues related to service connection for various conditions, including colon cancer, degenerative joint diseases of multiple body parts, and a respiratory disability. The Veteran's claims are being reviewed due to the need for additional medical records and an opinion regarding potential asbestos exposure.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding in-service petroleum exposure and its impact on the Veteran's health. The Veteran is requested to undergo examinations by an appropriate clinician to determine the nature and etiology of any respiratory disorder, sleep apnea, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus, type II.
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.