The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his service-connected hand arm vibration syndrome and carpal tunnel syndrome were denied. The Board found that the current disability evaluations adequately compensate the Veteran for these service-connected disabilities.
The deciding factor: The criteria for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for right (major) carpal tunnel syndrome, and an initial rating in excess of 40 percent for left (minor) carpal tunnel syndrome were not met as his conditions did not result in muscle, joint, or circulatory disabilities that warranted separate ratings.
- Claimed conditions
- Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 26, 2017
- Citation
- 1742491
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 1742491.
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 Veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome, left upper extremity, status post carpal tunnel release is granted an initial rating of 60 percent. Service connection for right wrist carpal tunnel syndrome is also granted.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran is granted effective dates for TDIU, SMC, and DEA based on his service-connected conditions. The Board also determined that the Veteran's PTSD alone warrants a TDIU prior to May 31, 2024.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the Centralized Eligibility and Appeals Team (CEAT) decision denying the Veteran's eligibility for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) is inadequate due to insufficient reasoning. The appeal is being remanded to obtain a more detailed medical opinion addressing the Veteran's need for personal care services, supervision, and protection.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for higher ratings and separate ratings for neuralgia and neuritis for her service-connected carpal tunnel syndrome was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of mild, moderate, or severe incomplete paralysis of the median nerve, which would warrant higher disability ratings.
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