The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for carpal tunnel syndrome of the right and left wrists, as well as hypertension, were denied. The Veteran was granted a 50 percent rating for carpal tunnel syndrome of the right wrist since September 27, 2019, but no higher. A 40 percent rating was also granted for carpal tunnel syndrome of the left wrist since that date. However, ratings in excess of these were not warranted. The Veteran's hypertension was denied as well.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not support ratings in excess of 50 and 40 percent for carpal tunnel syndrome of the right and left wrists, respectively, due to lack of severe incomplete paralysis of all radicular groups bilaterally or complete paralysis of any peripheral nerve. The Veteran's hypertension was denied as it did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under DC 7101.
- Claimed conditions
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 13, 2020
- Citation
- 20053808
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 20053808.
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: Granted
The Veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome, left upper extremity, status post carpal tunnel release is granted an initial rating of 60 percent. Service connection for right wrist carpal tunnel syndrome is also granted.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran is granted effective dates for TDIU, SMC, and DEA based on his service-connected conditions. The Board also determined that the Veteran's PTSD alone warrants a TDIU prior to May 31, 2024.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the Centralized Eligibility and Appeals Team (CEAT) decision denying the Veteran's eligibility for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) is inadequate due to insufficient reasoning. The appeal is being remanded to obtain a more detailed medical opinion addressing the Veteran's need for personal care services, supervision, and protection.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for higher ratings and separate ratings for neuralgia and neuritis for her service-connected carpal tunnel syndrome was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of mild, moderate, or severe incomplete paralysis of the median nerve, which would warrant higher disability ratings.
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