Wrist & hand decisions — 2014

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disability, low back disability, right upper extremity disability, and left upper extremity disability. The evidence did not establish an in-service injury or disease that could be linked to these disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for neck, right elbow, right wrist, and right shoulder disabilities. The examiner concluded that these conditions are less likely than not related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left wrist and left foot disabilities have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for either condition during the periods in question.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a right knee disability and a right wrist condition is granted. The Board finds that the evidence supports the Veteran's assertions of in-service onset and current symptoms, leading to a finding of service connection.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be related to service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition. The other issues are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted entitlement to TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder and multiple musculoskeletal conditions, have rendered her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining VA outpatient treatment records and scheduling a medical examination to assess his employability due to service-connected disabilities. The TDIU claim will be adjudicated after the referred issues are addressed.

The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of a gastric ulcer, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, or left hip sprain.,Service connection cannot be established for any of these conditions as there is no evidence of their presence during service or at any time since separation from active duty.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current residuals of a left wrist injury, including a scar, decreased strength, and minimal functional limitations, are related to his in-service injury. As such, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is found to be related to his period of active duty service, and the claim for service connection is granted. The issue of entitlement to service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome remains pending.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a headache disorder, including as secondary to service-connected tinnitus. The Veteran's headaches have been confirmed and are considered a current disability.,However, there is no evidence of a bilateral wrist disorder at any time since the filing of her claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including an examination to assess the severity of his service-connected arthritis and any neurological manifestations. The AOJ should also consider whether a separate rating is warranted for any neurological impairment and whether referral for assignment of a higher rating on an extra-schedular basis is appropriate.

The Board denied service connection for a right wrist disability and right foot plantar warts.,Service connection was not granted for chronic allergic conjunctivitis/dry eye syndrome as the evidence did not support a finding of direct service connection.

The Veteran's claims for initial compensable evaluations for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, erectile dysfunction, and gout were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's right wrist disability, characterized by a residual injury with ununited chip fracture of the ulna and a healed fracture of the sub-articular end of the radius, was not found to warrant an evaluation in excess of 20 percent.

The Veteran's overuse syndrome of the left hand is currently rated at 50 percent, which is the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 5216.,Special monthly compensation for loss of use of the left upper extremity is not warranted as his disability does not result in such a loss that would be equally well served by an amputation with prosthesis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him so helpless as to be in need of regular aid and attendance, warranting special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board has granted service connection for a psychiatric disorder and degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine, finding that these conditions are at least as likely as not related to service-connected disabilities. Service connection for right carpal tunnel syndrome is also granted.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for a right wrist disability was denied as there is no evidence of a formal or informal petition to reopen prior to January 7, 2009.