The Veteran's right elbow epicondylitis and psychiatric disorder (including anxiety and depression) are not service connected. The Board found that the right elbow epicondylitis is less likely related to his service-connected right ring finger condition, while the psychiatric disorder does not meet the criteria for a diagnosed mental health condition.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's right elbow epicondylitis was initially caused by an acute injury in 2009 and did not recur. The Board found that it is less likely aggravated by his service-connected right ring finger condition. For the psychiatric disorder, there were no diagnosed mental health conditions as per VA records.
- Claimed conditions
- Right elbow epicondylitis, Psychiatric disorder (including anxiety and depression)
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- October 17, 2017
- Citation
- 1746234
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 1746234.
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: Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for various service-connected conditions, including back, shoulder, elbow, knee, and ankle issues.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate compliance with previous instructions and insufficient medical opinions. The Veteran's right elbow epicondylitis is being reviewed for potential service connection.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claim due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's right elbow epicondylitis and its relationship to service-connected left elbow lateral epicondylitis.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine strain, lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, right elbow epicondylitis, left elbow epicondylitis, and tinnitus do not preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment due to his disabilities. The Board denied the claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).
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