The Veteran's cervical strain with mild degenerative changes at C4-5 and C5-6, lumbar strain, right shoulder degenerative joint disease with partial supraspinatus tear, and right carpal tunnel syndrome are each rated as 20 percent disabling effective May 20, 2014.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's cervical spine disability manifested with a normal range of motion from May 20, 2014, but with pain on motion and localized tenderness. The lumbar strain also had limited flexion to 85 degrees during flare-up episodes. The right shoulder degenerative joint disease was rated based on its limitation of abduction above the shoulder level without loss of strength or neurological abnormalities. Right carpal tunnel syndrome manifested as mild incomplete paralysis with difficulty performing extended typing and hand grip functions.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical strain with mild degenerative changes at C4-5 and C5-6, Degenerative joint disease with partial supraspinatus tear of the right shoulder, Right carpal tunnel syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- June 24, 2015
- Citation
- 1526981
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 1526981.
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.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for right carpal tunnel syndrome is denied as the award was granted in a separate claim filed after the initial increase rating appeal.
- Granted
The Board has granted earlier effective dates of December 7, 2020 for service connection for low back, right knee, left knee, right ankle, left ankle, right carpal tunnel syndrome, and left carpal tunnel syndrome disabilities.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability has been granted. The right wrist and carpal tunnel syndrome claims have both been denied, with the right wrist rating remaining at 10 percent.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for right carpal tunnel syndrome and a TDIU due to PTSD, effective October 25, 2021. SMC was also granted from March 16, 2022.
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