Wrist & hand decisions — 2011

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen several service connection claims, but the Veteran's claim for headaches is reopened. The remaining issues are decided based on the merits.

The Board has remanded the case due to scheduling issues for a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for higher initial ratings and service connection claims. The right wrist disability is rated at the maximum available benefit, while other conditions have not been established as service-connected.

The Veteran's service-connected tendonitis of the right wrist and extensor surface of his right arm does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating based on full range of motion.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for residuals of right wrist fracture, service connection for chronic respiratory disorder (claimed as bronchial asthma), and service connection for gastrointestinal disorder. The evidence did not support granting any of these claims.

The Board has denied all service connection claims for various conditions, finding that the Veteran did not have these conditions during her active military service and there is no evidence of their development or aggravation due to such service.

The Veteran is found to be unemployable due to service-connected disabilities, and a total rating based on individual unemployability has been granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral arm disability, specifically bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome with right ulnar neuropathy, is related to service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability for which service connection can be granted, including back and wrist disabilities, gout, duodenal ulcer, chronic respiratory infections, or bronchitis. The Veteran's claims are denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral elbow and wrist disabilities is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of his diagnosed conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of his left wrist injury residuals was denied. The Board found that the current 10 percent rating adequately reflects the Veteran's symptoms and functional limitations.

The Veteran's right wrist disorder has not demonstrated limitation of motion akin to ankylosis, and the current 30 percent rating adequately reflects his disability.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions have been granted, with a noncompensable evaluation assigned for bilateral pes planus as of August 3, 2009.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain clarification on the nature and etiology of the appellant's right hand disability, including whether it is related to his active service or any incident therein. The case will be returned for further action.

The Veteran's appeal involves increased ratings for left wrist and elbow injuries, as well as earlier effective date claims. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and schedule the Veteran for a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluation and service connection were denied.,Service connection was not granted for a left wrist disability or right ankle disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, and he now has a compensable rating for his right wrist strain. His other claims are denied.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this claim.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and a medical opinion regarding his employability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical examinations and opinions regarding the etiology of his claimed conditions, as well as for further development.