Wrist & hand decisions — 2011

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left wrist disorder must be remanded due to incomplete STRs, outstanding VA treatment records, and inadequate previous examination. The case will be returned for further development.

The Veteran's left wrist disorder, including CTS and ulnar neuropathy, is not service-connected. The cervical spine disability has been rated at 10% since the initial rating decision in July 2006.

The Veteran's service-connected carpal tunnel syndrome of the left hand is rated at 10 percent, effective June 1, 2007. His bilateral hearing loss remains noncompensable.

The Board found that the Veteran's right hand and wrist disability existed prior to service and was not aggravated by service. As a result, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound due to her disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed right wrist, right knee, and left heel disabilities are not service-connected as they do not meet the criteria for direct service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hand and finger disabilities, as well as his bilateral wrist disabilities, are not service-connected due to lack of evidence showing a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied as there is no current diagnosis of the condition. The claims for other conditions were not addressed due to lack of development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed knee, wrist, shoulder, neck, and lower back disabilities are not related to service. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service injury or disease.

The Veteran is entitled to a rating of 40 percent for his service-connected left wrist disability, effective from the time period since May 15, 2009. The maximum schedular rating has been assigned due to ankylosis in any position except favorable.

The appellant withdrew her appeal for service connection for narcolepsy, to include as secondary to a service-connected lower back disability. The TDIU claim remains pending.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for right shoulder injury, headaches, and spinal injury were denied. The initial evaluations for the right wrist fracture and cervical degenerative disc disease remain at 10 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for further development, including obtaining medical records and clarifying his employment status. The case will be adjudicated again after this additional information has been obtained.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to assess the current severity of his bilateral wrist disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome was not incurred in or aggravated by his military service, and thus denied the claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome of the right hand and low back disorder are not related to his military service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen any of the Veteran's service connection claims, including for peripheral neuropathy of the right leg, left leg, elbow, neck, low back, shoulder disabilities, carpal tunnel syndrome, or heart disorder. The claimant's statements regarding abdominal pain are deemed not credible.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's arthritis of both wrists, both knees, and cervical spine is not service connected as secondary to his service-connected pulmonary sarcoidosis.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations. The issues of service connection for upper extremity neurological disorders, neck disorder, left ear disorder, and hypertension are being addressed.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the evaluation of his service-connected right wrist gunshot wound injury.