Wrist & hand decisions — 2013

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for right hand carpal tunnel syndrome is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his morphine addiction and pain management, caused or contributed to his death by overdose. Therefore, the cause of death is deemed service connected.

The Veteran's left wrist and right elbow disabilities have not been found to warrant a disability rating higher than the currently assigned 10 percent ratings.

The Board has determined that there is no current diagnosed elbow disorder, and thus service connection for an elbow disorder cannot be granted. The wrist disorders are not found to have been caused or aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's left upper extremity and cervical spine disabilities were not shown in service or for many years thereafter, and the most probative evidence fails to link these conditions to service.,The Board also determined that there was no causal connection between the Veteran's current cervical spine disability and his right ankle arthritis and sprain.

The Board has granted service connection for right carpal tunnel syndrome, left carpal tunnel syndrome, and a right elbow scar. The conditions are considered to be directly related to the Veteran's active duty service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the issues of entitlement to a rating in excess of 30 percent for residuals of left tibial tubercle fracture with osteoarthritic changes and chronic chondromalacia of the knee; entitlement to a rating in excess of 30 percent for recurrent subluxation of the left knee; and entitlement to service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, bilateral eye disorder, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, gout, hypertension, hypertensive heart disease and osteomyelitis.

The Board has found that the Veteran's right carpal tunnel syndrome is related to service, resolving doubt in her favor.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues including increased evaluations for various disabilities, reopening of service connection claims, and a TDIU claim. The case is being remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records, an appropriate VA examination, and issuance of a statement of the case.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional records from SSA and VA Fayetteville.

The Veteran's right ankle disability is rated at 20 percent, the maximum available rating under Diagnostic Code 5271. The ratings for his right wrist and left wrist disabilities remain at 10 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded to obtain additional information and evidence, including reserve duty dates, personnel records, and examination reports.

The Board has determined that cervical radiculopathy of the right arm is related to service-connected intervertebral disc disease of the cervical spine, and carpal tunnel syndrome of the right hand was not manifest during or within one year after service.

The Veteran's service connection claim for residuals of a broken right wrist is granted, as the Board finds that his current wrist condition is related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluation, SMC based on loss of use of the left upper extremity, and SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance are being remanded due to insufficient evidence. Further development is needed to determine if the service-connected conditions result in loss of use of the hand or upper extremity.

The Board has granted service connection for numbness and tingling of the fingertips and both hands (bilateral CTS), finding that it was incurred in service.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for scheduling a Travel Board hearing due to the Veteran's request for postponement of his hearing.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current degenerative joint disease of the thoracolumbar spine is not related to his service, and thus denied his claim for service connection. For his right knee and right wrist conditions, further examination is needed to determine if they are related to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral wrist disability, including carpal tunnel syndrome was denied as there is no current evidence of a diagnosed condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and a medical opinion regarding her right 5th toe disorder.