The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for injury to Muscle Group (MG) VI as a residual of a penetrating left elbow wound is denied because the symptomatology for service-connected left ulnar neuropathy as a residual of a penetrating left elbow wound contemplates the same symptoms as MG VI.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected left ulnar neuropathy as a residual of a penetrating left elbow wound has similar symptomatology to the service-connected injury to Muscle Group (MG) VI, violating the rule against pyramiding.
- Claimed conditions
- injury to Muscle Group (MG) VI, left ulnar neuropathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 3, 2017
- Citation
- 1731266
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 1731266.
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: Granted
The Board granted an increased rating of 20 percent for left ulnar neuropathy, finding that the Veteran's condition more nearly approximated moderate incomplete paralysis.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Board granted a disability evaluation of 40 percent for left ulnar neuropathy prior to September 11, 2025, and denied an evaluation in excess of 40 percent.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board granted an initial rating of 30 percent for left ulnar neuropathy, but no greater.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied service connection for right and left ulnar neuropathy, finding that the evidence does not support a causal relationship between these conditions and either in-service injury or a service-connected disability.
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