Wrist & hand decisions — 2013

The Board found that the Veteran's right hand disorder, diagnosed as carpal tunnel syndrome and gout, was not incurred in or aggravated by service. The preponderance of evidence does not support a connection between his current symptoms and active duty.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted. He is now entitled to VA benefits for his right wrist tendonitis, epistaxis, and right knee disability.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for right hand disability has been withdrawn.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected degenerative joint disease of the left wrist, status post wrist fracture is being remanded due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to allow for additional development and consideration of his claims, including a VA examination to assess the impact of his service-connected conditions on his employability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD with depressive disorder and cervical strain, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment. The VA has determined that the Veteran is unemployable due to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's current left side nerve damage, carpal tunnel syndrome on the left hand, and a nerve root condition secondary to cervical spondylosis were not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Veteran's ganglion cyst of the left wrist has not caused ankylosis or deep, large, or symptomatic scarring. The VA examiner found no evidence of these conditions and thus denied a higher rating.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hand and finger disabilities, as well as his bilateral shoulder disabilities, did not originate during service or due to any incident of active service. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's right wrist carpal tunnel syndrome is currently rated at 30 percent as of February 29, 2012. The issues are mixed due to the different ratings assigned for different periods.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a videoconference hearing. The issues include seeking a compensable disability rating for costochondritis, service connection for right wrist disability, and permanency of the grant of TDIU.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is not etiologically related to his active service.,The criteria for service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome, right hand are not met.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for residuals of a left little finger injury is denied as the current evaluation adequately compensates his disability.

The Board denied service connection for a heart condition and an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for the Veteran's scar of the left wrist, finding no evidence of an etiological relationship between his diagnosed conditions and active service.

The Veteran's service-connected sinusitis is the primary cause of his shortness of breath, which was not due to a cardiac disability. The left wrist and hand conditions are not service connected.

The Board found that the Veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome is not related to his active duty service and denied both direct and secondary service connection claims.

The Veteran's headaches are found to be due to an undiagnosed illness during his service in the Gulf War. His bilateral hip, right ankle, left ankle, wrist, and elbow disabilities are not shown to be related to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of various orthopedic and neurological conditions have been denied as there is no competent evidence showing a nexus between the current disabilities and service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected right wrist fracture with traumatic arthritis and neuropathy of the right upper extremity. His VA medical records should also be updated.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to care for his daily needs without requiring the regular aid and attendance of another person, meeting the criteria for SMC based on need for aid and attendance.