The Veteran's claims for service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome secondary to his right fifth metacarpal fracture and a compensable evaluation for the same were denied. However, he was granted a 10% rating based on multiple non-compensable service-connected disabilities.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not establish current disability of carpal tunnel syndrome or ankylosis of the right little finger, which are required for service connection and increased rating under applicable VA regulations.
- Claimed conditions
- carpal tunnel syndrome, right fifth metacarpal fracture
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 14, 2020
- Citation
- 20025480
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 20025480.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
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: Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection of carpal tunnel syndrome in the left upper extremity, and the Board has dismissed this case.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to inadequate VA examinations and a pre-decisional duty to assist error. Additional development is needed for service connection of carpal tunnel syndrome, increased ratings for lower extremity radiculopathies, and obtaining a VA TERA opinion.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome and ulnar nerve post traumatic mononeuropathy of the right upper extremity is rated at 40 percent effective July 23, 2019.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome was diagnosed during service and has continued to the present. The Board granted service connection for this condition, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise that it began in service.
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