Wrist & hand decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claim is dismissed because service connection for neuropathy of the right wrist is already in effect due to a previously granted carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to address the relationship between his service-connected right little finger crush injury with residual scar and his claimed carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Board has found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD, is attributable to his active military service and grants this claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right hand and arm disability in addition to his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the right MCP joints and wrist was denied as there is no current diagnosis of such.

The Veteran's claims for increases in the ratings for bilateral pes planus and residuals of a right navicular fracture with degenerative joint disease were denied as his conditions did not warrant higher ratings under VA rating criteria.

The Veteran's left wrist carpal tunnel syndrome is currently rated at 20 percent, corresponding to moderate incomplete paralysis of the median nerve.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus began in service and is related to noise exposure. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss, knee disability, shoulder disability, elbow disability, wrist disability, hand disability, and hip disability are granted as they are considered direct service connections due to cold injury exposure.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found no evidence of a current disability related to the claimed conditions and concluded that any preexisting conditions did not worsen during service.

The Veteran's PTSD and right wrist disability, both rated at 70 percent disabling, meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues, including service connection for various conditions and a TDIU. The Board has determined that further development is needed to obtain SSA records, service personnel records, and VA examinations for the ear disability, head trauma, and human bite claims. Additionally, a VA examination is required to address the left shoulder disorder and cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his back pain and mood disorder, have rendered him unable to engage in substantial gainful employment. The Board has determined that the criteria for a TDIU are met.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found that new and material evidence was received to reopen the tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, cervical spine disability, right and left knee disability, left and right ankle disability, right and left wrist disability, and vertigo claims. However, hypertension and sleep apnea were not shown during or within one year after service and there is no competent medical opinion linking these conditions to service.

The Board has granted service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome of the bilateral upper extremities as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted in full, and the appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing. The issues include reopening service connection claims and seeking higher ratings for various conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including left foot disorder, right ankle disorder, and right wrist disorder, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unemployable, but further development is needed to determine his employment status and the impact of these conditions on his ability to work.

The Veteran's service-connected right and left wrist gouty arthritis have resulted in painful motion of the wrists throughout the rating period, warranting a 10 percent rating for each.,The Veteran's service-connected right and left knee gouty arthritis with chondromalacia and degenerative changes have resulted in functional impairment due to pain on movement, swelling, and interference with sitting, standing, and weight-bearing, warranting a 10 percent rating for each.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal regarding the reopening of service connection claims for various conditions, and the Board has dismissed the appeal.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for left ankle disability, arthritis of hands and elbows, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, and increased ratings for left and right knee disabilities. The reasons given were that there was no evidence linking these conditions to active service.