Wrist & hand decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were granted, with the effective date being September 30, 2014. The left wrist condition remains at a 10 percent rating, while the right shoulder conditions are now rated as follows: recurrent dislocation of the right shoulder (previously impingement syndrome) at 10 percent from September 30, 2014; and right shoulder dislocation at 20 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA medical examination to determine if any currently diagnosed hand disorder, including degenerative joint disease, is etiologically related to the Veteran's active military service.

The Board has remanded the claim for a higher disability rating for residuals of a right wrist fracture with carpal dissociation to the Director of the VA Compensation and Pension Service for extraschedular consideration under 38 C.F.R. § 3.321(b)(1).

The Veteran's left wrist disability, which includes nonunion of the scaphoid and lunate bones with avascular necrosis, has been rated at 40% since September 28, 2011. This rating is based on unfavorable ankylosis in any degree of palmar flexion or with ulnar or radial deviation.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including a VA examination and consideration of the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU prior to October 10, 2014.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including new examinations and consideration of her TDIU claim.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left wrist osteoarthritis, as well as a fracture of the left fifth toe. The Veteran's current bilateral wrist disabilities are considered to be related to his active service.

The Veteran is entitled to a 10 percent rating for his service-connected right wrist disability prior to July 1, 2008 due to pain, swelling, stiffness, and functional impairment of locking, giving way of grip, and weakness of grip strength.

The Board denied initial ratings in excess of the current assigned ratings for the Veteran's hand arm vibration syndrome and carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Board has determined that a new VA medical examination and opinion is needed to address whether the Veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by or permanently worsened (aggravated) as a result of his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has ordered additional development as requested by the Veteran, including obtaining VA treatment records and any relevant medical records from St. Mary's Hospital in Tennessee.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain relevant VA treatment records and for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's GERD is found to be aggravated by the use of NSAID medications for his service-connected disabilities. The Board grants secondary service connection for GERD.

The Veteran is unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment as a result of his service-connected disabilities, and the Board finds that he meets the criteria for TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to unclear findings and opinions regarding the Veteran's right wrist and bilateral knee conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated private treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his left wrist disability.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or on account of being housebound is remanded due to incomplete development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and development of his claims, including a review of VA treatment records and an assessment of the current severity of his right wrist and shoulder strains.

The Board has determined that service connection is not warranted for carpal tunnel syndrome and peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities as there is no evidence linking these conditions to service.