The Board has determined that the Veteran's right and left carpal tunnel syndromes do not warrant ratings in excess of 30 percent or 20 percent, respectively. The symptoms are characterized by intermittent numbness, paresthesia, decreased grip strength, and pain radiating to the elbows and shoulders.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence shows that despite surgical intervention, the Veteran's carpal tunnel syndromes persist with increasing severity, including decreased bilateral grip strength, numbness and paresthesia in her hands and fingers, and pain that radiates upward from her hands to her elbows and shoulders. The symptoms are intermittent rather than constant.
- Claimed conditions
- Right Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Left Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- March 17, 2017
- Citation
- 1708330
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 1708330.
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 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The appeal for service connection for OSA is dismissed. A 50 percent rating, but no higher, for right carpal tunnel syndrome, post-surgery, is granted.
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