The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right and left carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) prior to March 30, 2015, from March 30, 2015 to May 24, 2016, from May 24, 2016 to August 28, 2019, and since August 28, 2019 were denied as the medical evidence did not show moderate or severe incomplete paralysis of the median nerve or radicular groups.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not support a higher rating based on the severity of symptoms and findings for CTS in both hands.
- Claimed conditions
- Right Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), Left Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 27, 2020
- Citation
- 20069375
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The veteran's service from October 6, 2013 to October 5, 2017 is considered honorable for VA benefits purposes and he was granted service connection for hemorrhoids, left carpal tunnel syndrome, right carpal tunnel syndrome, and surgical scars as secondary to CTS. However, his discharge from October 6, 2017 to November 25, 2020 bars him from receiving VA benefits.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records and an examination.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left CTS and left wrist scar are also being remanded.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
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