Wrist & hand decisions — 2015

The Board found no evidence of a current diagnosis or in-service event related to the Veteran's claimed bilateral wrist disorder, and thus denied service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to scheduling issues for her hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claims for service connection for bilateral foot and knee disorders, finding new and material evidence. The claim for right wrist disorder is not granted as there is no medical evidence showing a current diagnosis or that it was incurred in service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a TDIU as he has been gainfully employed throughout the appeal period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a low back disability, right knee disability, right wrist disability, right foot disability, right hip disability, toenail fungus, or varicose veins that are related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination. The issues of service connection for shoulder disabilities, wrist disability, thumb disability, and foot disabilities are also being addressed.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claims for service connection for left wrist disability, back disability, and sinusitis.,The Veteran's current diagnoses of cervical strain, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, and bilateral tendonitis are not related to her active duty service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a right wrist disability, right shoulder arthritis, sleep disorder, and separated collar bone. The claim seeking increased ratings for various disabilities was also denied.

The Veteran seeks a higher level of special monthly compensation (SMC) under 38 U.S.C.A. � 1114(o). The Board has determined that additional development is needed, including obtaining SSA records and providing the Veteran with an updated VCAA letter.

The Board has granted service connection for allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. The Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation from February 9, 2010.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims of entitlement to service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, right wrist disorder, left wrist disorder, and left leg disorder. The Veteran's in-service exposure to hazardous noise levels is presumed.

The Veteran's appeal is being returned to the AOJ for further action, including providing a new VA examination and determining whether a higher rating may be granted. The Veteran will have another opportunity to attend a Board hearing or provide additional evidence.

The Board is remanding the Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for his service-connected residuals of a right shoulder injury prior to June 20, 2011 and for a compensable rating for his service-connected left wrist fracture residuals. Additional development is needed including obtaining VA treatment records and arranging for medical examinations.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome is not caused or aggravated by his service-connected hypertension or medications used to treat it.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for right hand carpal tunnel syndrome prior to March 16, 2012, and his service connection claims for left wrist carpal tunnel syndrome, skin condition (residuals of a skin condition incurred during service), and right ear hearing loss have been granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and evaluations have been granted, with effective dates ranging from April 29, 2008 to May 13, 2009. The specific conditions include a left knee disorder, foot disorders (pes planus and hallux valgus), left eye disorder, acquired psychiatric disorder (depression), degenerative joint disease of the right knee, ankle tendinosis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, pseudofolliculitis barbae, and shoulder rotator cuff tear.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from a VA examiner regarding whether the Veteran's left hand carpal tunnel syndrome and left arm paresthesia began in or was caused by service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right wrist disability is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and the unavailability of certain medical records.

The Board found that the Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy was not caused by a delay in VA medical treatment, and denied his claims for service connection of residuals of injury to the back and wrists.