Citation Nr: 22042131
Decision Date: 07/25/22	Archive Date: 07/25/22

DOCKET NO. 16-56 808
DATE: July 25, 2022

REMANDED

Entitlement to an increased evaluation for left carpal tunnel syndrome (previously rated as residuals, fracture left ulna with retained internal fixation plate) in excess of 10 percent prior to August 19, 2021 and in excess of 20 percent thereafter is remanded.

REASONS FOR REMAND

The Veteran served on active duty from December 1983 to December 1987. This matter comes before the Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) on appeal from a September 2015 rating decision.

The Veteran was afforded a hearing before the undersigned Veterans Law Judge in February 2022. A transcript of the hearing is associated with the electric claims file.

1. Entitlement to an increased evaluation for left carpal tunnel syndrome in excess of 10 percent prior to August 19, 2021 and in excess of 20 percent thereafter is remanded.

The Veteran contends that his left carpal tunnel syndrome has increased in severity and warrants an increased evaluation.

The Veteran was afforded a VA elbows examination in December 2021.

At the February 2022 Board hearing, the Veteran related that his symptoms have increased in severity. He states that he experiences tingling, twitching, and popping in his elbow and arm.

Left carpal tunnel syndrome is evaluated in accordance with the criteria set forth in 38 C.F.R. § 4.124a, DC 8515 for incomplete paralysis and complete paralysis of the median nerve. The Veteran was previously evaluated under DC 5211 for ulna impairment. 

While the Veteran underwent an elbow examination in February 2022, the Board finds that the Veteran should undergo a neurological examination to ensure all functional impairment is evaluated to enable the Board to address all the rating criteria. Pursuant to Diagnostic Code 8515, the Veteran's median nerve can be rated as mild, moderate, moderately severe, or severe, with muscle atrophy. Accordingly, a remand is warranted for an additional VA examination specifically addressing the Veteran's left elbow carpal tunnel syndrome and ulna impairment.

The matters are REMANDED for the following action:

1. Schedule the Veteran for VA (1) neurological, (2) muscle, and (3) orthopedic examinations to determine the severity of his left carpal tunnel syndrome and ulna impairment. The electronic claims file must be reviewed by the examiner, and a note that it was reviewed should be included in the report. All tests and studies deemed necessary should be conducted.

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TANYA SMITH

Veterans Law Judge

Board of Veterans' Appeals

Attorney for the Board	Alexia E. Palacios-Peters, Associate Counsel

The Board's decision in this case is binding only with respect to the instant matter decided. This decision is not precedential and does not establish VA policies or interpretations of general applicability. 38 C.F.R. § 20.1303.