Service connection is granted for bilateral lateral epicondylitis and an undiagnosed skin disability manifested by intermittent rashes. Service connection is denied for left carpal tunnel syndrome, right cubital tunnel syndrome, and right and left knee disabilities.,The Veteran's bilateral lateral epicondylitis was diagnosed during service and the examiner found it to be at least as likely as not related to service. The Veteran's undiagnosed skin disability manifested by intermittent rashes is also considered to have been incurred in or caused by service.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the preponderance of evidence did not support a finding that the Veteran’s carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, and knee disabilities began during service or were otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease. However, for bilateral lateral epicondylitis, the examiner concluded it was at least as likely as not incurred in service due to repetitive overuse of his hands/wrists.,For the undiagnosed skin disability manifested by intermittent rashes, the examiner found that the Veteran's symptoms were consistent with a diagnosis of an undiagnosed illness and determined that they were related to service.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Right Cubital Tunnel Syndrome, Bilateral Lateral Epicondylitis, Undiagnosed Skin Disability Manifested by Intermittent Rashes
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 28, 2020
- Citation
- 20063425
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 20063425.
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 Veteran's claims for an initial compensable disability rating for a head scar, service connection for right and left carpal tunnel syndrome are being remanded due to duty-to-assist errors. The Board will obtain VA examinations and medical opinions to address the relevant evidence.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's left carpal tunnel syndrome and median nerve paralysis are currently rated at the highest possible rating under VA regulations, but do not meet the criteria for a higher rating as they have not shown complete paralysis or substantial loss of use of the hand.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service connection claims for generalized anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), liver condition, joint pain, intestinal condition, kidney condition, sleep apnea, vein condition, right carpal tunnel syndrome, left carpal tunnel syndrome, and lumbar spine disability have all been granted.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's appeal for a higher disability rating for left carpal tunnel syndrome was denied by the Board. The condition is currently rated at 30 percent, which reflects mild incomplete paralysis of the major extremity.
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