The Veteran's request for an increased rating for his right wrist disability was denied. The reduction from a 20% to a 10% rating for degenerative arthritis, right wrist, status post ganglion cyst excision is upheld. A 20% rating for right radial nerve neuropathy associated with muscle weakness is granted effective December 3, 2019.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's right wrist condition did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes due to lack of ankylosis or other specific findings warranting a higher evaluation. The right radial nerve neuropathy met the criteria for a 20% rating based on mild constant pain, numbness, reduced sensation, and muscle weakness.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative arthritis, right wrist, Right radial nerve neuropathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- November 19, 2020
- Citation
- 20074405
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
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Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
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- Partly granted
The Board granted readjudication of the claim for service connection for a back disability based on new and relevant evidence, but remanded the issue for further development.
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