Wrist & hand decisions — 2011

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability is etiologically related to his period of active service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that further development is required to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for right carpal tunnel syndrome and ulnar neuropathy, including as secondary to his service-connected residuals of a right third metacarpal fracture. The case is being remanded for an examination and additional development.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II and his claimed right carpal tunnel syndrome and right ulna neuropathy.

The Veteran's increased evaluation claim for his right wrist disability was denied, but he received a separate compensable evaluation for right hand neuropathy as a residual of the service-connected right wrist disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hand disability, chronic disability manifested by premature ventricular contractions (PVC), and carpal tunnel syndrome. The Board found no current disabilities for which VA compensation may be awarded.

The Veteran's migraine headaches, left wrist neuropathy, and right wrist neuropathy have been granted initial noncompensable ratings. The claim for tinnitus has also been granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, hyperlipidemia, and right wrist arthralgia were denied. The Board found the evidence against these claims to be more probative than the Veteran's contentions.,Service connection was not granted for obesity as there is no disability associated with it.

The Veteran's right wrist disability, characterized by ankylosis and pain, is currently rated at 50 percent. The appeal for a higher rating remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal is currently in remand status due to the need for additional examinations and development of his claims.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected right wrist disability is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional development of the claims file.

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings on his right hand and wrist conditions, as well as service connection for a left arm/shoulder disability, have been withdrawn. The TDIU claim is also dismissed.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for bronchial asthma, a left knee disorder, and right wrist and sinusitis disabilities. The decision also addressed her TDIU claim.

The Veteran's bilateral wrist condition results in hypermobility of the wrist joints with painful motion, warranting a noncompensable evaluation. The right shoulder disability prior to June 18, 2003 was manifested by mild lack of endurance and laxity without pain.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude gainful employment consistent with his education and occupational experience.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining updated VA medical records and scheduling a new orthopedic examination. The TDIU claim will also be remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for a right shoulder disorder, which represents a complete grant of the Veteran's appeal as to that issue alone. The claims for secondary service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome and low back disorder are also addressed.

The Board has restored the Veteran's ratings for his service-connected right knee and left wrist disabilities from 20 percent to 10 percent each, effective May 1, 2008.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral wrist disorder, finding no evidence of an in-service injury or disease and insufficient medical opinion to establish a current disability. The preexisting right wrist fracture was not aggravated by service.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, finding that there was no evidence of a relationship between her military service and her disability.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected left wrist fracture with DJD was denied as the evidence did not show ankylosis or other conditions that would warrant a higher evaluation.