Wrist & hand decisions — 2015

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for enhanced/higher SMC based on his multiple service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher evaluation for bilateral hearing loss is addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision. The Board finds that the criteria for a TDIU, as of March 24, 2011, have been met.

The Board has denied service connection for right and left upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome, finding no in-service manifestation or a nexus to service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected right wrist condition is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a new VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, when considered together, render her unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board found that the Veteran's current right hand and wrist disabilities, including right wrist drop, right upper extremity radial compression neuropathy, or right carpal tunnel syndrome, are not related to her active service. The Veteran does not have a current right knee disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome is not related to his service-connected impairment of the left knee and therefore denied service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new examination to assess the combined effects of his service-connected disabilities on his ability to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left ring finger, left shoulder, right knee, and left knee conditions have been denied.,Service connection was granted for a left wrist condition (rated as 10 percent disabling), GERD (rated as 10 percent disabling), lumbosacral strain (rated as 10 percent disabling), and left ear hearing loss (rated as 10 percent disabling).

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining employment records and a new VA examination.

The Veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome of the right hand was restored to a 50% disability rating effective July 1, 2013. The left hand condition remains at a 40% disability rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to provide her with a Board video conference hearing on the issues of service connection for various conditions and increased ratings.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD and granted a rating in excess of 10 percent for healed fracture, left wrist. The issue of entitlement to a compensable rating for healed fracture, right thumb is being remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including COPD, lumbar spondylosis, carpal tunnel syndrome of the upper extremities, varicose veins, and weakness in the legs, were denied as there is no credible evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's right wrist disability is rated at a 10 percent rating, effective August 23, 2010. The left thigh scars are not currently on appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities necessitate the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, as evidenced by his significant limitations due to his service-connected lower extremity disabilities.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is related to his service-connected disabilities. His hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to service or any incident therein. The Veteran's left leg being shorter than the right leg is related to a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's lower back disorder and CTS are related to service, but his costochondritis does not warrant a compensable rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disability is not related to service and denied his claim for service connection. The right wrist and right knee disabilities are also denied as there is no clear evidence of their onset during service.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his right wrist disability was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating prior to May 12, 2014 and from May 12, 2014 onwards.