The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for left and right wrist ganglion cysts prior to February 1, 2012. The Veteran's bilateral wrist disorders are rated based on limitation of motion under DC 5215. The issues of entitlement to separate disability ratings for neurological abnormalities associated with the bilateral wrist ganglion cysts and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities have been remanded.
The deciding factor: The evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's left and right wrist ganglion cysts meet the criteria for a higher 10 percent ratings prior to February 1, 2012 based on pain with stiffness. The schedular rating criteria reasonably contemplate the Veteran’s bilateral wrist symptoms.
- Claimed conditions
- Left wrist ganglion cyst, Right wrist ganglion cyst
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 9, 2021
- Citation
- 21021008
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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 21021008.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's residuals of a left wrist ganglion cyst excision are rated at 10 percent, the minimum compensable rating. The condition is characterized by pain and limited range of motion.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for TDIU as his service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeal for service connection due to a grant of service connection in a prior decision, and denied her claims for migraine headaches, PTSD, and a right wrist ganglion cyst.
- Remanded (sent back)
The appeal for TDIU is moot due to the Veteran's 100% rating and special monthly compensation at the housebound rate. The left wrist ganglion cyst claim is remanded for additional development.
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