Wrist & hand decisions — 2015

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination of his upper extremities and issuance of a statement of the case on his bilateral tinnitus and right wrist disability claims.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for right shoulder tendonitis and a right wrist disability. The Board has determined that the appeal involves issues related to service connection, which falls under the 'direct' theory of service connection.,The Veteran's claims have not been fully adjudicated as there are no specific ratings or decisions provided in the decision summary.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right hand, wrist, and thumb disability is being remanded due to the need for further examination and development of his claims.

The Veteran's left wrist carpal tunnel syndrome is currently rated at 20 percent, the maximum schedular rating available for moderate incomplete paralysis of the median nerve. The Veteran's left wrist fusion has been rated as 30 percent disabling.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, but additional evidence is needed to determine if there are any connections between his current disabilities and his military service. The Veteran needs to provide more information about specific incidents in service that may be relevant.

The Veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome is not attributable to his active military service and was not caused or aggravated by a service connected disability. The Board denied the claim for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction and diabetic retinopathy was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating as his diabetes does not require regulation of activities. Service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome was also denied, as it is not linked to service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions, including sleep disorder, neurological disorder, postical muscle strain, arthritis, and carpal tunnel syndrome, were not incurred or aggravated by service. The claims for increased ratings have also been denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for an updated assessment of his eligibility for vocational rehabilitation and employment benefits, given changes in his employment status and combined evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including depression and neurological disorders, render him unemployable. The Board finds that a total disability rating based on individual unemployability is warranted for the entire appeal period.

The Veteran's death was not due to a service-connected disability that met the criteria for DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for right and left wrist disabilities, which she contends are related to injuries sustained during her active duty service. The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations, updated VA treatment records, and a medical opinion regarding his employability.

The Veteran's non-service-connected disabilities are of sufficient severity to permanently preclude him from engaging in substantially gainful employment consistent with his age, education, and occupational experience. The Board finds that the criteria for a permanent and total disability rating are met, granting non-service-connected disability pension benefits.

The Veteran's tinnitus is not service-connected, and his right wrist disability was granted a non-compensable rating prior to September 7, 2012. His left wrist disability also received a non-compensable rating. The Veteran's right wrist disability has been increased to 10 percent after September 8, 2012.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected left ankle, wrist, and elbow disabilities were denied as the current ratings adequately reflect the severity of these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and no effective dates or ratings were granted.

The Veteran was found unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as a result of his service-connected disabilities, effective February 1, 2013.

The Veteran's depression is found to be secondary to his service-connected right orchiectomy. His hearing loss, COPD, left wrist fracture residuals, scar from cyst removal, allergic rhinitis, and rhinoplasty/septoplasty are all rated at the lowest possible level (0%) due to their current severity.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any right hand/wrist disability, including as secondary to his service-connected right superior labrum tear. The Veteran's claim will be readjudicated based on the new evidence.