The Board has granted higher initial ratings of 40 percent for right upper extremity essential tremors and 30 percent for left upper extremity essential tremors from March 23, 2016 to June 12, 2017.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed that the Veteran's essential tremors had worsened over time, impacting his ability to work due to constant and worsening tremors in both hands. The Board found moderate incomplete paralysis of the upper radicular group for both sides based on consistent reports from the Veteran and supporting medical records.
- Claimed conditions
- Essential Tremors
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 7, 2023
- Citation
- 23043960
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 23043960.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
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 appeal for an initial compensable rating for essential tremors prior to October 5, 2021 was denied. The Veteran's appeal for a higher initial rating greater than 50 percent for persistent depressive disorder with anxious distress prior to October 5, 2021 was also denied.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's essential tremors are rated under DC 8103, which does not account for the use of medication. The Board finds a new VA opinion is needed to determine the current severity of his condition without the ameliorative effect of medication.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded for the following issues: TBI residuals, vertigo, essential tremors, and headaches. The AOJ failed to obtain private medical records from Dr. R. Kastner and other private primary care providers prior to the March 2025 rating decision.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The appeal for entitlement to service connection for obstructive sleep apnea was granted, while other appeals were dismissed as untimely and remanded for further action on essential tremors.
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