The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The right wrist cyst was rated at 10%, and the focal neurologic symptoms of the right hand were not separately evaluated as secondary to the wrist cyst. The chronic lumbar strain, left lower extremity radiculopathy (femoral nerve), and left lower extremity radiculopathy (common peroneal nerve) claims were also denied. The initial ratings for right lower extremity radiculopathy of the femoral nerve and common peroneal nerve were not granted.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes, including lack of ankylosis or functional equivalent thereof in the wrist, and incomplete paralysis of the median nerve that would warrant separate evaluations.
- Claimed conditions
- Right wrist cyst, Focal neurologic symptoms of the right hand (likely related to right wrist cyst)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 4, 2023
- Citation
- 23026025
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 23026025.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone were not of such a nature and severity as to prevent him from securing or following any substantially gainful employment, thus the claim for TDIU was denied.
- Granted
The Board denied a higher rating for the right wrist cyst and granted a 20 percent rating, but not higher, for neuropathy of the right wrist from February 2, 2011. The decision is binding only with respect to the instant matter decided.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to inadequate medical examinations and development needs.
- Denied
The Veteran's right wrist cyst and PTSD are both denied increased ratings. The right wrist cyst is rated at 10 percent, effective from December 14, 2015. The PTSD remains at a 70 percent rating.
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