Wrist & hand decisions — 2014

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his service-connected carpal tunnel syndrome of the left hand was granted, with an effective date prior to July 13, 2012. The case was remanded in June 2012 and returned to the Board after obtaining VA examination reports. The Veteran is now rated at 40 percent for his service-connected carpal tunnel syndrome of the left hand beginning on July 13, 2012.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for multiple joint disorders, including a right shoulder disorder. The Board also found that service connection is established for these conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's right and left wrist peripheral neuropathy did not meet or approximate the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus type II and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and trigger fingers are not related to his active duty service, and thus denied both claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for back, bilateral wrist, bilateral knee, and bilateral ankle disabilities due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for type II diabetes mellitus with penile dermatitis, peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity, and peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's upper back injury, to include levoscoliosis, warrants a 20 percent disability rating throughout the period on appeal. The other issues have not been granted increased ratings.

The Veteran is service-connected with several conditions, including DDD of the lumbosacral spine. The care provided on September 10, 2011, was for an adjudicated service-connected disability and in a medical emergency where delay would have been hazardous to life or health. VA facilities were not feasibly available at the time.

The Board denied service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome and a back disability, finding that the Veteran's conditions did not manifest in service or within one year of service. The Board also found no link between these conditions and service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected left wrist disability does not present such an exceptional or unusual disability picture as to render impractical the application of the regular schedular standards, and thus, her claim for a higher rating is denied.

The Veteran's right and left carpal tunnel syndromes have been rated at 30% and 20%, respectively, for moderate incomplete paralysis of the ulnar nerve. The Board found that these ratings are adequate given the wholly sensory nature of his symptoms.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for left wrist arthritis or low back arthritis on a direct basis due to lack of continuity of symptomatology since service separation. The claim is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected right hand disability, manifested by painful motion of the wrist, is currently rated at 10 percent and does not warrant a higher rating.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and granted a 70% rating effective September 23, 2009. The claim for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome is still pending.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome is productive of moderate incomplete paralysis, as shown on EMG studies, with complaints of hand numbness, pain, weakness, stiffness, and tingling. The appeal for higher initial evaluations for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome remains before the Board.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings have been granted, with the effective dates being July 10, 2009.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected left wrist and arm conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating or service connection for any of the conditions listed.