The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for left and right upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome, as well as radiculopathy of the left lower extremity. The Veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome is being examined to determine if it is related to an in-service injury or disease, and whether it is secondary to a service-connected disability. The radiculopathy claim is also being remanded for further examination.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the claims are not fully-informed without a VA medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and radiculopathy, as well as whether these conditions are related to service-connected disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- left upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome, right upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 25, 2019
- Citation
- 19149121
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.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right shoulder disabilities, as well as left and right upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome, due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for left upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome, right upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome, and obstructive sleep apnea based on the evidence supporting in-service onset of symptoms that have persisted since service.
- Partly granted
The Veteran is granted a TDIU, special monthly compensation at the housebound rate, and basic eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance benefits. The right knee osteoarthritis issue was remanded for further evaluation.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claim for a higher initial disability rating and an earlier effective date for his service-connected cervical spine disability, as well as dismissed claims for service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome in both upper extremities.
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