The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings for his bilateral upper extremity and back disabilities were denied. The rating for ulnar nerve entrapment at elbow (left upper extremity) was denied as the disability did not meet the criteria for a greater than 20 percent rating. Similarly, the rating for carpal tunnel syndrome and ulnar nerve entrapment at elbow (right upper extremity) was also denied. The rating for low back strain with degenerative changes was denied due to lack of evidence showing severe incomplete paralysis or ankylosis.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's disabilities were rated under the appropriate Diagnostic Codes, but did not meet the criteria for higher ratings as they primarily demonstrated moderate pain, paresthesias/dysesthesias, and numbness without more severe symptoms such as complete paralysis or significant functional loss.
- Claimed conditions
- Ulnar nerve entrapment at elbow, Carpal tunnel syndrome, Low back strain with degenerative changes
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 5, 2023
- Citation
- 23026238
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 23026238.
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: Dismissed
The appeal of the proposed reduction from 30 percent to 10 percent for GERD is dismissed. The appeal of a disability rating in excess of 20 percent for low back strain with degenerative changes is denied.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, particularly her PTSD and wrist conditions, have rendered her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's bilateral upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome has been granted service connection under the PACT Act, effective August 10, 2022. The initial increased ratings for right and left upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome are also granted.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine and carpal tunnel syndrome based on continuity of symptomatology since separation from service.
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