For the entire period on appeal, an initial rating higher than 20 percent for a right carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is denied.,For the entire period on appeal, an initial rating higher than 30 percent for a left carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is denied.,For the entire period on appeal, an initial rating of 50 percent, but not higher, for migraine headache disability is granted.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's bilateral CTS symptoms more nearly approximate moderate incomplete paralysis of the median nerve for each hand, which is properly contemplated by the currently assigned disability ratings. The criteria for an increased rating are not more closely approximated for either hand.,For the entire period on appeal, symptoms of the Veteran’s migraine headache disability more nearly approximate the criteria for a 50 percent disability rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Right Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), Left Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- October 30, 2018
- Citation
- 18145941
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 18145941.
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: Denied
The Veteran's appeal for a higher disability rating for left carpal tunnel syndrome was denied by the Board. The condition is currently rated at 30 percent, which reflects mild incomplete paralysis of the major extremity.
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