The Veteran's initial compensable rating for chronic costochondritis with Tietze syndrome from September 2013 is granted, and his left ulnar neuropathy is rated at 30 percent since July 27, 2015. A higher rating for the left ulnar neuropathy is denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's left ulnar neuropathy caused severe impairment but did not result in complete paralysis as of July 27, 2015.
- Claimed conditions
- Chronic costochondritis with Tietze syndrome (claimed as inner chest wall pain), Left ulnar neuropathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- June 25, 2019
- Citation
- 19149644
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board granted earlier effective dates for the increased ratings of PTSD, DJD lumbar spine, and left ulnar neuropathy back to March 1, 2018.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected left hand disability, diagnosed as left ulnar neuropathy due to nerve damage from an in-service laceration, warrants a 30 percent evaluation for the entire period on appeal.
- Granted
The Veteran's right ulnar neuropathy is rated at 30 percent, effective February 22, 2019.,The Veteran's left ulnar neuropathy is rated at 20 percent, effective February 22, 2019.,The Veteran's temporomandibular displaced disc is rated at 30 percent, effective February 22, 2019.
- Denied
The Board determined that the RO correctly calculated the Veteran's combined disability rating of 60 percent, and denied a higher combined evaluation.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.