Wrist & hand decisions — 2016

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and left ulnar neuropathy (cubital tunnel syndrome).,Service connection was also granted for tinnitus, with the condition manifesting during active service.

The Veteran's right wrist orthopedic disability was rated at 10 percent prior to January 1, 2010 and remains at that rating. The separate neuropathy of the right wrist is rated at 10 percent.,The Veteran has been granted TDIU based on his service-connected right wrist disability.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including a left wrist disorder, left hip disorder, low back disorder, right arm and wrist disorder, varicose veins, surgical scars of the right leg, right leg disorder, and right knee disorder. The Veteran's claims were not supported by sufficient evidence to establish an in-service injury or disease.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records and new VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of any diagnosed right thumb, right wrist, and/or sinus disability.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new examination of his right wrist carpal tunnel syndrome and for obtaining any outstanding treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal of service connection for a bilateral foot fungal condition has been withdrawn.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, prostate cancer residuals, right wrist fracture, and erectile dysfunction associated with prostate cancer, are rated at 90 percent combined. The Board finds that these conditions render the Veteran unable to participate in a regular substantially gainful occupation consistent with his education and work experience.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain a VA examination and opinion regarding the relationship of his current disabilities to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions and to ensure all necessary development has been completed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back, right knee, and right wrist disabilities are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected lumbar spine disability has been granted, with the assigned rating of 20 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right wrist drop, right hand weakness, and right shoulder weakness are related to his service. The Veteran's right arm disability is also considered secondary to these conditions.

The Veteran's right and left wrist strains have been evaluated at 10 percent throughout the appeal period, as they do not present an exceptional or unusual disability picture. The claims for increased ratings are denied.

The Board has found that the Veteran's currently diagnosed PCOS is related to her military service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a neurological condition in his right wrist and finds that it is less likely than not related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's death was ruled due to his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and low back pain with degenerative disc disease. The Board found that the criteria for SMC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1114(s) were met as there was a single service-connected disability rated as total (PTSD) and an additional disability independently ratable at 60 percent (low back pain with degenerative disc disease).

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions are granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and left elbow disability due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology. The Veteran's service-connected shoulder condition may have caused or aggravated his carpal tunnel syndrome, but this needs clarification.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and consideration of whether an extraschedular rating or additional benefits are warranted related to his right wrist disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety NOS and PTSD, is granted. The claim for wounds from shrapnel to the left wrist and upper middle chest remains pending.