Wrist & hand decisions — 2014

The Board denied service connection for sinusitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and multiple joint pain. The Veteran's current sinus disorder was not found to be related to his active service or due to exposure to toxins including CARC paint.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and right wrist disability are rated at the maximum levels allowed by law. The left wrist disorder, asthma, and skin disability claims have been granted.

The Board has found that the Veteran's current cervical spine injury with compression fracture at C4 is related to his in-service injuries, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and providing an addendum opinion from a VA examiner regarding the etiology of the Veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Veteran's service connection claim for obstructive sleep apnea is granted. The Board finds that the evidence supports a finding of in-service onset and nexus to service.

The Veteran's residuals of a left wrist fracture have been rated at 10 percent, the maximum available under VA regulations. The Board finds that this rating adequately reflects his symptoms and functional impairment.

The Board has ordered the case back to the AOJ for consideration of additional evidence submitted by the Veteran, including medical records and other relevant documents.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic costochondritis, a hand condition, anemia, a wrist condition, arm pain, Reynaud's disease, mitral/tricuspid regurgitation, a shoulder condition, and residuals of a thyroidectomy have been dismissed. The remaining issues of service connection for sinusitis and insomnia are denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left wrist disability, including a ganglion cyst, is not related to his military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unemployable from performing all forms of substantially gainful employment that are consistent with his education and occupational experience.,The Veteran is entitled to an initial rating in excess of 40 percent for lumbar spine degenerative joint disease and degenerative disc disease, and an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for migraine headaches.,Service connection has been granted for chronic fatigue syndrome as secondary to service-connected sarcoidosis. The Veteran's skin disorder is also service connected as secondary to service-connected sarcoidosis. Service connection has not been established for a respiratory disorder or sleep disturbance.

The Board has determined that there is no current diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy and the Veteran's symptoms are attributable to carpal tunnel syndrome, which is already service-connected. Therefore, service connection for peripheral neuropathy cannot be granted.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of tri carpal fusion of the left wrist are currently rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available for limitation of motion. The Board finds that the criteria for an increased rating do not meet the requirements under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hand disorder is not related to his military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome is found to be due to injury sustained during her active service, and thus granted service connection.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation for obsessive compulsive disorder with major depressive disorder was withdrawn by the representative. The right wrist carpal boss issue is granted a compensable initial rating of 10 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and a VA examination to assess the current severity of her service-connected left wrist disability.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for IBS with GERD, bilateral hearing loss, and carpal tunnel syndrome of the right and left upper extremities were denied. The Veteran was not granted any increased ratings.,The VA examinations conducted did not show evidence of a service connection theory other than direct service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling VA examinations to assess the severity of his lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, right wrist scar, and right wrist arthritis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are not properly adjudicated and requires additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the etiology of his hearing loss, tinnitus, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a current disability related to the Veteran's claimed right frozen foot or left wrist ganglion cyst, and thus service connection cannot be established.