Wrist & hand decisions — 2014

The Veteran's asthma is being remanded for additional development. Her joint pain and swelling are also being remanded, as the nature of her disability needs to be determined.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for high cholesterol, initial ratings in excess of 10 percent for carpal tunnel syndrome of both upper extremities, and an initial compensable rating for central serous choroidopathy with recurring neovascularization.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher initial disability ratings for her service-connected bilateral wrist De Quervain's tenosynovitis, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional VA treatment records and providing a TDIU examination. The Veteran's right wrist disorder is being considered in determining whether he can maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete medical records and need for an addendum opinion regarding service connection for bilateral wrist carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is not service-connected, as it is secondary to a pre-existing low back disability.,Hearing loss and hypertension are not service-connected.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and provide a comprehensive opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right carpal tunnel syndrome and lumbar degenerative disc disease with right lower extremity radiculopathy are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's left and right wrist disorders, including whether they are related to service or any undiagnosed illness from serving in the Persian Gulf War.

The Veteran's claim for a certificate of eligibility for financial assistance in the purchase of an automobile and adaptive equipment, or adaptive equipment is granted due to his service-connected disabilities resulting from a stroke.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine, right wrist, left wrist, right hand (palm disorder), left hand (palm disorder), right shoulder, left shoulder osteoarthritis, right knee, and left knee disorders are not service-connected.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right hand and forearm disorder, as well as his right wrist scar, were incurred in service. The Veteran is therefore granted service connection for these conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including scheduling a videoconference hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a chronic bilateral wrist disorder during service or within one year thereafter, and the Veteran did not report any symptoms at service separation. The VA examiner concluded that the current bilateral wrist strains are less likely than not incurred in service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, sleep apnea, atopic dermatitis, TMJ disorder, a bilateral foot disorder, and conjunctivitis. The denial is based on new and material evidence not having been received to reopen these previously denied claims.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his service-connected degenerative joint disease of the left wrist has been denied. Prior to July 31, 2013, he was not entitled to a rating in excess of 10 percent. Since then, he is not entitled to a rating in excess of 40 percent.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, was denied as he does not have a current diagnosis of such. His claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for a left wrist ganglion cyst is withdrawn.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to afford him a VA examination for his upper extremity radiculopathy and carpal tunnel syndrome, as well as an orthopedic and psychiatric examination for his low back disability and PTSD. The case will be readjudicated after all appropriate development.

The Veteran's claim for an extension beyond August 31, 2003 for a temporary total disability rating based on convalescence following surgery on May 13, 2003 for a service-connected residual fracture of the left wrist with carpal tunnel syndrome was denied as his surgery did not necessitate convalescence beyond that period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for any of his claimed conditions, including hearing loss in the left ear and tinnitus. The claims are denied.