The Veteran's claim for left carpal tunnel syndrome was denied as the effective date prior to December 29, 2011 is not granted.,The Veteran's claim for depression was denied as the effective date prior to April 21, 2020 is not granted.,A disability evaluation of 30 percent for left wrist carpal tunnel syndrome beginning on January 4, 2020 is granted.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's claims were denied as the effective dates prior to December 29, 2011 and April 21, 2020 are not provided for service connection.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Depressive Disorder due to Chronic Pain Syndrome, with Depressive Features and Cocaine and Cannabis Use Disorder in Sustained Remission
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- March 11, 2026
- Citation
- A26021920
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 A26021920.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
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.
- Denied
The Veteran's appeal for a higher disability rating for left carpal tunnel syndrome was denied by the Board. The condition is currently rated at 30 percent, which reflects mild incomplete paralysis of the major extremity.
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