Wrist & hand decisions — 2015

The Board denied service connection for a heart condition and arthritis of multiple bones and joints, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current left hand/wrist disorder and therefore, service connection cannot be granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection, finding that his conditions did not warrant higher ratings or additional benefits.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of hepatitis C, peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities (carpal tunnel syndrome), or peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities. As such, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for left wrist carpal tunnel syndrome. The Board also found that the Veteran's use of a cane, which is related to his service-connected disabilities, including hip, shoulder, lumbar spine, left lower extremity, left ankle, right elbow, and left carpal tunnel syndrome, has contributed to the development or continuation of his left wrist carpal tunnel syndrome. As such, the Board granted service connection for this condition.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability and left wrist disability, but granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his hearing loss is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a VA examination and providing the Veteran with an addendum medical statement on his claimed conditions. The Veteran's claims will be readjudicated following this development.

The Veteran's claim for beneficiary travel reimbursement is being remanded. The Board will attempt to obtain the Veteran's initial claim for these benefits and then readjudicate his service connection claims.

The Veteran's left wrist carpal tunnel syndrome was present prior to her second period of active service, but permanently worsened during that time. The Board found that the pre-existing condition was aggravated by service and granted service connection for this disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right wrist disability is at least as likely as not related to his in-service right wrist fracture, and thus service connection for residuals of a right wrist fracture is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including VA examinations to address the current severity of his service-connected bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis and to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed hypermobility syndrome, right hip disability, bilateral second toe disability, bilateral elbow disability, bilateral leg length discrepancy, and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and left wrist disability was granted. For bilateral hearing loss, a noncompensable evaluation prior to May 22, 2014 and a 30% evaluation thereafter is granted. For the left wrist disability, a 30% evaluation is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected biliary cancer, which caused his death in November 2008, is found to be related to his military service due to exposure to liver flukes during his time in Vietnam and Korea. Service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including scheduling a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lower back disability is service-connected due to aggravation during active duty in Afghanistan. The right wrist disability was also found to be service-connected.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left wrist and left elbow disabilities do not warrant a higher disability rating based on their current manifestations, as they do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's request for a hearing has been noted, and the case is being remanded to schedule a videoconference hearing at the earliest opportunity.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected scars do not warrant a higher disability rating based on their current size, nature (superficial), and symptoms (no pain or instability).

The Veteran's appeal for the reduction of evaluations for various service-connected conditions has been withdrawn.

The Veteran's GERD is found to be related to active duty service and granted. The claims for left CTS, right CTS, and residuals of a vasectomy are denied as there is no evidence of current chronic disabilities.