Wrist & hand decisions — 2013

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in an impairment of his ability to prepare for, obtain, or retain employment consistent with his abilities, aptitudes and interests.

The Veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome of the upper right extremity was initially granted a 10 percent disability rating effective November 24, 2006. From September 11, 2012, he is now rated at 30 percent for this condition.,For his carpal tunnel syndrome of the upper left extremity, a 10 percent disability rating was granted effective November 24, 2006. No higher rating has been assigned since that date.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development of her claims, including obtaining more recent VA treatment records.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for various disabilities and to reopen a claim for his bilateral eye disorder have been withdrawn. The Board finds that the Veteran is permanently and totally disabled for VA pension purposes based on his SSI disability determination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and multiple musculoskeletal conditions, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board finds that his combined disability rating of 90% supports the grant of TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed right carpal tunnel syndrome and right ulnar neuropathy are not related to his military service or any of his service-connected disabilities, leading to a denial of these claims.

The Veteran's arthritis of the left wrist and left thumb laceration muscular and neurological residuals have been granted service connection, but no increased disability ratings are warranted.

The Board has granted service connection for impingement syndrome of the right shoulder, carpal tunnel syndrome with ulnar neuropathy of the left wrist, and carpal tunnel syndrome with ulnar neuropathy of the right wrist.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current left knee or hip disability, and therefore cannot establish service connection for these conditions. The right wrist disability is also denied as secondary to the service-connected right knee disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination to assess the impact of his right hand disability on employment and clarifying the extent of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for carpal tunnel syndrome of the right and left wrists, as well as a migraine headache disorder, were granted. The initial rating assigned was 30 percent for carpal tunnel syndrome of the right wrist, 20 percent for carpal tunnel syndrome of the left wrist, and 50 percent for a migraine headache disorder.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain medical records and provide the Veteran with appropriate examinations regarding his claimed bilateral ankle disorder, low back disorder, and left hand/wrist disorder. The case will be returned to the RO for further action.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for scheduling a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge (VLJ) or a Decision Review Officer (DRO).

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinea pedis affecting both feet, Dupuytren's contracture of the hands and wrists, and degenerative joint disease.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral ankle, elbow, shoulder, neck, and nerve disabilities. The evidence does not establish a nexus between these conditions and active duty.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to the death of the appellant, and no jurisdiction remains for further action.

The Veteran's service-connected right wrist disability, characterized by limited motion and discomfort, is currently rated at 10 percent. The appeal for a higher rating remains pending.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional development regarding the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. The Veteran served in the U.S. Navy Reserve, including periods of active duty and inactive duty training.

The Board found that the Veteran's March 29, 2005 repair of the left superficial femoral artery dissection was a complication of the March 24, 2005 aortogram and resulted in an additional left leg neurological disability. The proximate cause of this disability was deemed to be VA's carelessness or lack of proper skill in performing the March 24, 2005 aortogram.

The Board has remanded the case due to additional development needed, including consideration of clinical records from June 18, 2012, to December 7, 2012.