The Veteran's left knee strain is not service-connected as there is no evidence of a current disability related to active duty. The VA finds the references in the medical records are inaccurate and that the Veteran does not have a current left knee disability.,For the right upper extremity nerve disability, the Veteran has moderate incomplete paralysis which warrants a 40 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 8513. For the left upper extremity nerve disability (previously rated as carpal tunnel syndrome), the Veteran has mild incomplete paralysis of both median nerves which warrants a 20 percent rating each.
The deciding factor: The VA found that there is no evidence of a current left knee disability related to active duty service, and therefore denied service connection for a left knee disability. The right upper extremity nerve disability was rated based on moderate incomplete paralysis under Diagnostic Code 8513, while the left upper extremity nerve disability (previously rated as carpal tunnel syndrome) was rated based on mild incomplete paralysis of both median nerves.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Knee Strain, Cervical Radiculopathy with Right Upper Extremity Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (Right Upper Extremity Nerve Disability), Radiculopathy Left (Non-Dominant) Upper Extremity (Previously Shown as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome) (Left Upper Extremity Nerve Disability)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 25, 2023
- Citation
- 23057779
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 23057779.
What this means for you
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's right and left knee strains, as well as shin splints, were granted increased ratings. The Veteran also received special monthly compensation at the housebound rate from October 25, 2017 to March 11, 2024.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability of bilateral hearing loss for VA purposes and therefore, service connection is denied. The claims for tinnitus, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), obstructive sleep apnea, and left knee strain are remanded due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors.
- Granted
The reduction of the rating for service-connected left knee strain from 30 percent to 10 percent was not proper, and restoration of the 30 percent rating is granted.
- Dismissed
The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of low back and right knee disabilities due to improper filing deadlines.
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