The Veteran's service connection claims for left and right carpal tunnel syndrome were denied. The heart disability claim was granted with a 30% rating prior to March 20, 2014, and a 60% rating from that date until March 21, 2019 (excluding the temporary total rating period). A separate 30% rating for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation associated with coronary artery disease was granted from July 22, 2012 to October 10, 2016. The temporary total rating claim was denied.,The Veteran's service connection claims were not supported by competent medical evidence and the Board found that his bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome likely developed over many years of working with his hands post-service.

The deciding factor: The Veteran did not provide sufficient evidence to support a direct relationship between his in-service repetitive use of his hands, fingers, and wrists and his current bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. The Board found that the condition began after service and was more likely due to work-related activities rather than military service.

Claimed conditions

{"condition_name":"left carpal tunnel syndrome","diagnosis_date":null,"onset_year":1998}, {"condition_name":"right carpal tunnel syndrome","diagnosis_date":null,"onset_year":1998}

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

30%

Decision date

October 15, 2020

Citation

20066892