Wrist & hand decisions — 2013

The Board has determined that the Veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome did not have its onset during service or within the initial post-service year, and is otherwise unrelated to any aspect of his service, including his service-connected right-hand disability.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for her service-connected right wrist disability is denied as the evidence does not show that the disability warrants a higher evaluation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome, finding that it was not caused or aggravated by his service-connected cervical spondylosis or right shoulder strain.

The Board finds that the Veteran currently has residuals from his in-service right thumb strain, including limited motion at the distal interphalangeal joint. The service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection and increased rating were denied as there was no unadjudicated claim prior to the June 8, 2009 filing of his current claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of CUE in a February 1980 rating decision that denied service connection for his right arm and wrist disorder, finding no clear and unmistakable error.

The Veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for his service-connected wrist and ankle tendonitis, as well as elbow epicondylitis, were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on current symptoms or functional impairment.

The Veteran's bilateral wrist disability was granted service connection, but the initial rating for pes planus remains denied. The Veteran is now rated at 30 percent for his pes planus as of June 15, 2013.

The Veteran requested withdrawal of her appeal regarding the issues of bilateral hallux valgus and left wrist disability, which has been granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his mood disorder, degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine, left sided leg weakness, and tinnitus, have rendered him unable to perform activities of daily living without regular aid and attendance from another person. His need for such assistance is due to his severe lower extremity weakness caused by his service-connected degenerative disc disease.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations. The Veteran's claim for Dependents' Educational Assistance under Chapter 35 remains on appeal.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for bilateral wrist disabilities and a right elbow disability, which he claims are related to an incident in service where he fell off a vehicle. The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the claims can be decided.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral arm, elbow, wrist, and low back disorders are being remanded due to the need for further development including a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection have been withdrawn due to the assignment of a higher rating for mood disorder with depression.

The Board has remanded the claims due to incomplete development, and further examination is required before a decision can be made.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (PTSD and diabetes mellitus) have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since October 21, 2005. The Board has granted his claim for TDIU effective from that date.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative joint disease in the left knee and right wrist, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are due to injuries sustained during his active duty service.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for increased ratings for COPD and a scar, as well as service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome. The RO is directed to obtain VA treatment records, conduct a new examination for the left arm scar, and develop the TDIU claim.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for his service-connected actinic purpura with scarring associated with a fractured left wrist and arthritis has been withdrawn.

The Board has determined that the appellant's right hand tendonopathy with carpal tunnel syndrome warrants a separate initial evaluation of 10 percent for carpal tunnel syndrome, effective from March 31, 2009.