Wrist & hand decisions — 2013

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of bilateral tendonitis of the wrists and hands, plantar calcaneal spur of the left foot (secondary to lumbar spine disability), increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss, DDD of the lumbar spine, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities. The TDIU claim was also denied as the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, tinnitus, and bilateral flat feet. The claim for a left ankle disability was withdrawn by the Veteran during his hearing on appeal. The claim for a left wrist disability was also withdrawn.

The Board found that the Veteran's discharge was dishonorable due to willful and persistent misconduct, which bars VA benefits. The claims for service connection for left ankle disability, flat feet, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, and PTSD were all denied as they are not related to active service.

The Veteran's right carpal tunnel syndrome was rated at 10 percent prior to September 10, 2010 and increased to 20 percent on or after that date.,His left carpal tunnel syndrome was not found to warrant a higher rating.

The Board found that the Veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome and back disability did not manifest in service or are otherwise related to her military service, thus denying her claims for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have been rated appropriately, with no need for higher ratings.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome of the wrists and sleep apnea are being remanded due to procedural issues, including a lack of copies of relevant documents in his file.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected residuals of a fracture of the right wrist do not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent, as there is no evidence of ankylosis or other conditions that would justify such a higher evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for updated VA examinations and additional development of evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed right wrist and elbow disabilities are related to his active service, with the right elbow disability being secondary to a service-connected right hand disability.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing appropriate notice to the Veteran regarding her psychiatric disorder service connection claim.

The Veteran's right wrist fusion residuals are rated at 30 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available. The appeal for increased ratings on other issues remains pending and will be remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right wrist disorder, to include carpal tunnel syndrome, and left ankle and foot disability were not incurred in service. The claims are therefore denied.

The Veteran's appeal is REMANDED to the RO via the Appeals Management Center (AMC) in Washington, DC for consideration of an extraschedular evaluation due to marked interference with employment.

The Board found that the Veteran's progressive arthritis of multiple joints did not have its onset during service and is not related to his service-connected cervical spine arthritis. The condition was determined to be a direct result of natural progression over time.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected degenerative joint disease of the right shoulder, right elbow, and erectile dysfunction do not meet the criteria for increased ratings or a TDIU. The low back disorder is denied as not related to service.

The Veteran's service connection claim for cervical radiculopathy of bilateral upper extremities is granted. His low back disability remains at a 20 percent evaluation, and his TDIU claim is denied.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral wrist, elbow, and thumb disorders, as well as a left shoulder disorder, were denied. The claim for residuals of a fracture of the right ring finger was also denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a low back disability or bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, and thus service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased initial ratings for low back strain with degenerative disc disease, left knee disability, and right knee disability. The Veteran was not granted service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome of the right wrist.