Wrist & hand decisions — 2011

The Board has granted service connection for erectile dysfunction based on aggravation by the service-connected diabetes mellitus. The claim to reopen a previously denied service connection claim for osteoarthritis of wrists and hands was not supported by new and material evidence.

The Veteran's degenerative changes in the right wrist, hand, fingers, and thumb have been rated based on limitation of function due to scar. The current rating is for a compensable disability but the evidence does not support an increase.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a TDIU due to their combined rating of 60 percent, which is below the threshold required by VA regulations.

The Veteran seeks TDIU based on his service-connected right elbow, right wrist, left shoulder, and insomnia conditions. The case is being remanded for a VA examination to evaluate the impact of all of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development of records and further examination.

The Veteran's initial disability ratings for left wrist sprain, left ankle sprain, and left knee patellar fracture have been denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating based on current functional impairment.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for his right wrist disability was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support an increase beyond the current 20 percent rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need to determine whether his National Guard service was federal or state in nature. The hearing loss disability claim is also being remanded as a new opinion is required from a VA audiologist.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied.,The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for a bilateral knee disability has been denied.,The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for a left hip disability and GERD has been granted with an initial rating of 10 percent.,The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied.,The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for a skin disability has been denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection has been denied.,The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for a left ankle disability has been denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection has been granted with an initial rating of 40 percent.

The Board has determined that the effective dates for service connection of degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine and intervertebral disc syndrome of the right upper extremity with right carpal tunnel syndrome cannot be earlier than January 17, 2007.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for a VA examination to determine the etiology of his claimed cervical spine disability and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the hands, feet, fingers, and wrists was granted. The claims for residuals of separated ribs on the left side and a sleep disorder including sleep apnea are remanded.

The Veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, hearing loss, and tinnitus are all found to be related to her active duty service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prior to September 26, 2008 did not render him unemployable due to his inability to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities is being remanded as the Board needs additional information regarding his employability and the combined effect of all his service-connected conditions.

The Board has determined that the reduction in the evaluation for DDD of the lumbar spine was proper, and service connection for rheumatoid arthritis, bilateral hip disability, pulmonary disability, left elbow disability, and heart disability (secondary to DDD of the lumbar spine) have been granted. The Veteran's combined rating remains at 40%.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to discrepancies in his service records and the need for further clarification of his service history. The VA will obtain any outstanding treatment records, clarify his service location during the relevant time period, and schedule him for a VA examination if necessary.

The Veteran's service-connected non-united scaphoid fracture with ankylosis and traumatic arthritis, left wrist, is currently rated at 20 percent based on unfavorable ankylosis in the neutral position.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development of evidence, including obtaining VA vocational rehabilitation records and Social Security Administration disability determination records. The case will be adjudicated again after all necessary steps are taken.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as there is no legal basis for reducing the amount of VA compensation being recouped due to financial hardship. The law and regulations do not allow such a reduction.