The Veteran's right ring and little fingers have not been manifested by unfavorable or favorable ankylosis, but his right carpal tunnel syndrome has been manifested by severe incomplete paralysis of the median nerve. The Board granted a 50 percent evaluation for the right carpal tunnel syndrome prior to September 7, 2017, and denied higher evaluations.
The deciding factor: The severity of the Veteran's symptoms, including moderate incomplete paralysis of the median nerve in his right hand, is consistent with a 50 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 8515 for the entire period on appeal.
- Claimed conditions
- Right Ring and Little Fingers, Right Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- December 10, 2018
- Citation
- 18156536
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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 18156536.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for ED was denied as there is no current disability.,Right carpal tunnel syndrome was denied due to insufficient evidence linking it to the TERA exposure.,Left carpal tunnel syndrome was denied as the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of this condition.,Right ankle sprain and left foot pes planus were both denied because there is no current disability.,Right foot pes planus was denied due to lack of evidence.,Non-diabetic neuropathy of the right upper extremity was denied as it is currently diagnosed as right carpal tunnel syndrome.
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