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
- Not verified here — check the original 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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 23026025.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to inadequate medical examinations and development needs.
- Whole decision: 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.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.