The Veteran's cervical strain with degenerative arthritis, left carpal tunnel syndrome, right carpal tunnel syndrome, left hand strain with tendinitis, and right hand tendinitis of the index finger are all related to his service-connected cervical strain with degenerative arthritis.,Service connection is granted for these conditions as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected cervical strain with degenerative arthritis.
The deciding factor: The VA medical opinions indicate that the Veteran's bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy and hand disabilities are related to his service-connected cervical strain with degenerative arthritis, which was diagnosed in 2022. The Veteran reported symptoms including tightness, muscle spasm, and tingling at times.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical Strain with Degenerative Arthritis, Left Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Right Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Left Hand Strain with Tendinitis, Right Hand Tendinitis of the Index Finger
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 17, 2026
- Citation
- A26014254
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 A26014254.
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 Veteran's claims for an initial compensable disability rating for a head scar, service connection for right and left carpal tunnel syndrome are being remanded due to duty-to-assist errors. The Board will obtain VA examinations and medical opinions to address the relevant evidence.
- Denied
The Veteran's left carpal tunnel syndrome and median nerve paralysis are currently rated at the highest possible rating under VA regulations, but do not meet the criteria for a higher rating as they have not shown complete paralysis or substantial loss of use of the hand.
- Granted
The Veteran's service connection claims for generalized anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), liver condition, joint pain, intestinal condition, kidney condition, sleep apnea, vein condition, right carpal tunnel syndrome, left carpal tunnel syndrome, and lumbar spine disability have all been granted.
- Dismissed
The appeal for service connection for OSA is dismissed. A 50 percent rating, but no higher, for right carpal tunnel syndrome, post-surgery, is granted.
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