The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left-hand condition and his claimed secondary left-arm condition (carpal tunnel syndrome) have been granted. The Board found that the Veteran had pre-existing nerve damage in his left hand, which was aggravated by military service. Additionally, there is evidence suggesting that the Veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome may be related to his pre-existing left-hand condition.
The deciding factor: The Board determined that the Veteran's left-hand condition existed prior to service and was aggravated by military service, leading to a secondary claim for carpal tunnel syndrome in his left arm.
- Claimed conditions
- left-hand condition, left-arm condition (claimed as carpal tunnel syndrome)
- How they argued it
- Aggravation of a pre-existing condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 13, 2019
- Citation
- 19162263
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 1,948 · Granted: 29% (granted or partly granted, in the indexed decisions on this site)
Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.
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 19162263.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
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 Board has remanded the claims for service connection of left-hand and right-hand conditions due to incomplete service treatment records. The Veteran's active service is alleged to have caused his current hand conditions, which he contends are not supported by documented medical history.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Board has granted service connection for a back disability and left-hand condition, but has remanded the claims of service connection for rib disability, right ankle disability, and right knee disability due to new evidence received.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The appeal was dismissed due to the death of the appellant.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Board denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for the Veteran's right-shoulder condition and remanded claims for service connection for right-hand and left-hand conditions.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
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.