Carpal Tunnel

[DeeDee]

I have a question about carpal tunnel. I was in the National Guard 20 years, as a admin specialist. I worked as Federal Tech (working in a armory 7 my only active duty was in ODS) for 10 of those years. Now two years after I get out I have carpal tunnel. Can I file a claim? I have no record in my file, no LOD but I know its causes from years of typing. Is there anything I can do or just suck it up and go on???

[Berta]

Dee Dee-there are many claims at the BVA regarding carpal tunnel syndrome.

Many vets claim this as a condition secondary to an already SCed disability-

others have claims similiar to this vet's:

http://www.va.gov/vetapp03/files/0306933.txt

"As discussed above, the veteran's service medical records do

not contain evidence of carpal tunnel syndrome. However, the

evidence does document that the veteran served as a mechanic

during his nearly 20 years of active duty. The veteran has

consistently stated that his symptoms had their inception

during his military service, but that they were mild and he

did not seek medical attention at that time. The veteran's

private physician has opined that the veteran's bilateral

carpal tunnel syndrome might have had its inception during

military service. Moreover the January 2003 VA examiner,

while taking into account the absence of evidence

demonstrating treatment in service, concluded that it was as

likely as not that the veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel

syndrome had its onset during military service.

Although the medical opinions supporting the veteran's claims

are necessarily based in part on history provided by the

veteran, the Board has found the veteran's statements

concerning the onset of his symptoms to be credible.

Therefore, the Board is satisfied that the evidence

supporting the claim is at least in equipoise with that

against the claim. Accordingly, service connection is in

order for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. "

This claim was granted under Relative Equipoise- the BVA felt that the evidence for as well as evidence against the claim was balanced equally -therefore the veteran was awarded service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome.

I would file the claim if you have a current diagnosis and feel that you have a ratable condition-you might well need a good IMO- many

carpel tunnel claims get a "0" SC but if the syndrome gets worse, the vet can appeal for a higher rating.

The cases at the BVA show how the VA rates this disability.

Edited January 11, 2007 by Berta

[Pete53]

Dee Dee:

Claims like yours are not easy but if you are patient and can get a Doc to write an opinion that says you have it and that it is at least likey as not that it was acquired by your typing while in Service you will prevail.

Good Luck