Wrist & hand decisions — 2013

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity with carpal tunnel syndrome is characterized by mild impairment throughout the entire appeal period, warranting a 10% disability rating.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including congestive heart failure and disorders of the cervical spine, right wrist, left shoulder, and right hip. The decision is based on a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome of the right hand and herpes simplex keratitis affecting the eye were denied. The claim for an increased rating for his right knee disability was also denied.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was granted effective September 18, 2007, as he met the schedular criteria for a combined rating of at least 70% due to his service-connected disabilities and became unemployable on that date.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and found that new and material evidence had been received to reopen the claim. The Veteran's left wrist and left elbow disabilities are also considered, with a recommendation for further examination.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis has not met the criteria for a compensable rating.,Prior to January 25, 2010, the Veteran's GERD did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating. From January 25, 2010 onwards, his GERD symptoms have been sufficient to warrant a 30% rating.

The Veteran's service-connected left wrist disability, including De Quervain's tenosynovitis and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, is manifested by pain, tenderness, numbness, and weakness resulting in decreased manual dexterity. The Board finds that the criteria for a 10 percent rating have been met.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome is service-connected. The issues of service connection for right and left knee disorders are remanded due to incomplete examination findings.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for scheduling a videoconference hearing. The TDIU claim remains pending.

The Veteran's service-connected left wrist disability is currently rated at 10 percent, the maximum schedular evaluation available. The Board found no additional compensable evaluations warranted for neurological manifestations or ankylosis of the wrist joint.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for his right wrist disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development and a hearing.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for osteoarthritis of multiple joints, including bilateral knees, hips, ankles, shoulders and elbows and the left wrist, is being remanded due to incomplete development.

The Veteran's appeal was denied across multiple issues, including PTSD, fibromyalgia, pulmonary sarcoidosis with asthma, tendonitis of the left ankle, retropatellar pain syndrome (myxoid degeneration) of both knees, human papilloma virus, carpal tunnel syndrome, and other conditions. The appeals were not granted for any of these issues.

The Board found that the Veteran's current left wrist disorder did not have an onset during his period of service and is otherwise unrelated to his periods of service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis in both hands, finding that the current diagnoses are related to service. The appeal for other conditions and issues is dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for various foot, shoulder, and knee disabilities were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not have a current disability related to his in-service injuries or conditions.

The Board has determined that additional examinations and medical opinions are needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including for his lumbar spondylosis, nerve damage of the right wrist, and hepatitis C.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for a scar due to ganglion cyst of the left wrist was denied. The claims for service connection for lumbar spine disability and chronic pelvic adhesions (which were reopened) and TDIU were also denied.

The Veteran's claims were granted, and he was awarded service connection for various conditions. The initial ratings assigned are generally in line with the severity of his disabilities.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for arthritis of the lower extremities and upper extremities have been withdrawn. The Board has dismissed these claims as there is no longer an appeal pending.