Wrist & hand decisions — 2012

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of direct service connection for hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies, but granted noncompensable initial ratings for right carpal tunnel syndrome, left carpal tunnel syndrome, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) effective November 8, 2010.

The Veteran's respiratory disability is attributed to tobacco use, not service exposure. The right wrist and elbow disabilities are found to be less likely related to service due to lack of in-service diagnosis or treatment.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for disabilities of the left wrist, hand, arm, and foot/leg/toes, as they are not shown to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for joint pain as due to undiagnosed illness is being remanded for additional development, including an examination and review of his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his authorized representative.

The Veteran's service-connected left index finger, status post open reduction, internal fixation (non-dominant) is rated at 30 percent. The RO reduced the rating for his scar from 10% to 0%, effective July 8, 2011. No compensable ratings were granted for the right wrist condition or automobile allowance/specially adapted equipment.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and correctly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including verification of his periods of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) and inactive duty for training (INACDUTRA), as well as obtaining any outstanding medical records. The case is therefore being REMANDED.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, finding that new and material evidence was not submitted to reopen his claims. The appeals were based on direct service connection.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's appeal should be remanded to allow for a videoconference hearing at his local VA Regional Office.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome is caused or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has remanded the case for clarification of the opinions regarding whether the Veteran's right wrist disorder is related to service or his work as a carpenter, and if it is secondary to his service-connected right fifth finger disorder.

The Board found that there is no medical evidence establishing a link between the Veteran's right hand crush injury during service and his current diagnosed nerve damage residuals (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome). The disability first manifested many years after service, and the VA opinions concluded it was less likely related to the in-service injury.

The Board found that the Veteran's right wrist CTS did not have onset during active federal service, his time in the Wisconsin Army National Guard, or his service with the USAR Control Group. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's right carpal tunnel syndrome with ulnar neuropathy was initially rated at 30 percent from May 1, 2008, to June 7, 2010. Since then, it has been rated as non-compensably disabling (less than 10 percent).,The Veteran's left carpal tunnel syndrome has been rated at 10 percent since May 1, 2008.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations to determine the current extent of his left wrist carpal tunnel syndrome and left hand trigger finger disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a cervical spine disorder, left and right shoulder disorders, a left knee disorder, a right wrist disorder, a left wrist disorder, tinnitus, and a sinus disorder. The appeal was based on new evidence submitted after her initial claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule a videoconference hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for scheduling a new Board hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the RO by videoconference.

The Veteran's claim for higher rate of special monthly compensation (SMC) under 38 U.S.C.A. � 1114(r)(2) is remanded due to the need for a VA aid and attendance examination, as well as obtaining all outstanding medical records.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, and other conditions based on in-service exposure to noise and physical trauma. The Veteran's current symptoms are consistent with his reported history of service-connected disabilities.