Wrist & hand decisions — 2014

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of right carpal tunnel syndrome and left carpal tunnel syndrome were granted. The claim for an initial evaluation higher than 20 percent for right ankle sprain was denied, as well as the claim for a higher rating for hemorrhoids. Service connection for skin cancer on the right ear was established.

The Board has determined that further development is needed, including additional examinations and opinions, to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for an increased evaluation for anxiety disorder and TDIU.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's claimed conditions, including left side rib injury, bilateral wrist injury, back injury, left hip condition, left lower extremity condition, and hypertension. The decision found no current disability related to these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability of right knee or right wrist, and his service connection claims for right hip osteoarthritis are denied. The Veteran's claim for TDIU is also denied as he does not meet the criteria for a TDIU rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling VA examinations to assess the current severity of his service-connected residuals of fracture of the right wrist and right leg.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining private medical records and providing a VA examination to determine if any additional disability arose from VA care.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to a withdrawal request by the appellant's authorized representative.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for a spine disability, right foot hallux valgus, bilateral breast reduction, or chronic headaches. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disability is denied as there is no current diagnosis and it is less likely than not caused by service. Service connection for sleep apnea, left knee, and right knee disabilities cannot be established due to lack of evidence.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the appellant's claim of entitlement to service connection for cause of death, and thus the appeal is granted.

The Board found clear and unmistakable evidence that the Veteran's left wrist disability existed prior to service. The Board also found clear and unmistakable evidence that his pre-existing condition was not aggravated by active military service.

The Board has granted service connection for a ganglion cyst on the right wrist and right carpal tunnel syndrome, finding that these conditions had their onset during service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected left wrist carpal tunnel syndrome with osteoarthritis is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current pathology of his left wrist or hips, and thus cannot establish service connection for these conditions. The claims are denied.

The Veteran's left elbow radial head and neck fracture and left wrist condition are found to be caused by his service-connected bilateral patellofemoral pain syndrome with degenerative changes, thus granting service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a broken left kneecap, residuals of a broken left wrist, and left hip dislocation have been granted. The conditions are deemed to be directly related to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and referral for extraschedular consideration were denied as the evidence did not support a finding of entitlement to these benefits.,Special monthly compensation based on loss of use of the right hand was also denied, as it was determined that prior to September 29, 2006, the Veteran's wrist disability did not meet the criteria for such compensation.

The Veteran's hypertension claim was denied in May 2009. The Board has not found new and material evidence to reopen the claim. The Veteran does not have left upper peripheral neuropathy, to include carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as his conditions did not warrant a higher rating based on the current evidence of record.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to incomplete records and need for further medical examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome is not related to his service-connected left wrist fracture and thus denied the claim for service connection.