The Veteran's overuse syndrome of the left hand is currently rated at 50 percent, which is the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 5216.,Special monthly compensation for loss of use of the left upper extremity is not warranted as his disability does not result in such a loss that would be equally well served by an amputation with prosthesis.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's overuse syndrome of the left hand, which includes unfavorable ankylosis of five digits, does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it does not result in functional impairment such that no effective function remains other than what would be equally well served by an amputation with prosthesis.
- Claimed conditions
- Overuse Syndrome of the Left Hand, Left Rotator Cuff Impingement Syndrome and Degenerative Arthritis, Left Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Left Cubital Syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- September 8, 2014
- Citation
- 1440037
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 1440037.
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 Veteran's claims for an initial compensable disability rating for a head scar, service connection for right and left carpal tunnel syndrome are being remanded due to duty-to-assist errors. The Board will obtain VA examinations and medical opinions to address the relevant evidence.
- Denied
The Veteran's left carpal tunnel syndrome and median nerve paralysis are currently rated at the highest possible rating under VA regulations, but do not meet the criteria for a higher rating as they have not shown complete paralysis or substantial loss of use of the hand.
- Granted
The Veteran's service connection claims for generalized anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), liver condition, joint pain, intestinal condition, kidney condition, sleep apnea, vein condition, right carpal tunnel syndrome, left carpal tunnel syndrome, and lumbar spine disability have all been granted.
- Denied
The Veteran's appeal for a higher disability rating for left carpal tunnel syndrome was denied by the Board. The condition is currently rated at 30 percent, which reflects mild incomplete paralysis of the major extremity.
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