The Veteran's left wrist carpal tunnel syndrome is granted a 20 percent evaluation, while the right wrist condition remains at 10 percent. Other conditions such as sleep apnea and acid reflux are denied increased ratings.
The deciding factor: The June 2012 VA examination found mild incomplete paralysis of both wrists' median nerves, warranting a 20% rating under DC 8515.
- Claimed conditions
- Left wrist carpal tunnel syndrome, Right wrist carpal tunnel syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 9, 2020
- Citation
- 20024437
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 20024437.
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: Denied
The Veteran's right wrist carpal tunnel syndrome and left wrist carpal tunnel syndrome are currently rated at 30 percent and 20 percent, respectively. The Board denied the claims for higher ratings as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under DC 8515.,The Veteran's osteoarthritis of the right ankle and left ankle are both currently rated at 10 percent. The Board denied the claims for higher ratings as there is no evidence that meets the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Codes 5003-5271.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea secondary to service-connected lumbar spine and bilateral knee disabilities. The claims of service connection for hypertension, fatigue, left wrist carpal tunnel syndrome, right wrist carpal tunnel syndrome, left upper extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy, right upper extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and a neck condition are remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and to determine whether there is a nexus between his claimed conditions and his military service, including any toxic exposure during the Gulf War.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Board granted a 20 percent disability rating for the back disability prior to April 13, 2017, and a 40 percent rating from August 2, 2019, to December 30, 2019, but denied higher ratings in other periods. The Board also remanded several service connection claims.
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