The Veteran's left ulnar neuropathy and coronary artery disease status-post coronary artery bypass graft have been granted increased ratings, with the left ulnar neuropathy receiving a maximum 50% rating.
The deciding factor: The November 2021 VA examination report showed severe left ulnar neuropathy characterized by complete paralysis, atrophic changes on the medial left forearm and hand, and muscle atrophy on the left anterior forearm. These findings more closely approximate the criteria for a 50% rating under Diagnostic Code 8616.
- Claimed conditions
- Left ulnar neuropathy, Coronary artery disease status-post coronary artery bypass graft
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- September 18, 2024
- Citation
- A24057489
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 A24057489.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remanded the appeal for further development, including obtaining an adequate medical opinion on the nature and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder and ulnar neuropathy.
- Granted
The Board granted earlier effective dates for the increased ratings of PTSD, DJD lumbar spine, and left ulnar neuropathy back to March 1, 2018.
- Denied
The Board has determined that there is no separate disability characterized as incomplete paralysis of the radial nerve, and thus denies a separate rating for this condition. A separate 10 percent rating is granted for incomplete paralysis of the ulnar nerve.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for TDIU and special monthly compensation based on statutory housebound criteria. The Veteran was granted a combined rating of 80 percent for his service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease rated at 100 percent, which alone qualifies him for TDIU.
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