Wrist & hand decisions — 2016

The Veteran's service-connected right wrist disability is rated at the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent, and there is no evidence to support a higher rating based on ankylosis or other functional impairment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any diagnosed disabilities affecting his upper extremities. Additionally, an SOC regarding service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II will be issued.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule him for VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities, including physical and mental health issues. The appeals for service connection are not addressed as they were not part of the original claim.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation in excess of 10 percent for service-connected chronic left wrist strain was denied. The current rating is the maximum allowed under the applicable diagnostic code.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his painful left wrist scar and residuals of a left forearm fracture to include peripheral neuropathy were denied as the symptoms do not warrant higher schedular ratings.

The Veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome of the right hand is rated at 30 percent, effective from the date of the decision. The issues regarding plantar fasciitis and sciatica have been resolved with appropriate ratings.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, scheduling a VA examination, and issuing a Supplemental SOC.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for left wrist pain, bilateral knee pain, stomach disability, pseudofolliculitis barbae, acquired psychiatric disorder, neck injury, and type II diabetes mellitus. The claims remain denied as new and material evidence was not received for right wrist pain, bilateral leg cramps, and skin disability of the fingers and feet.

The Veteran's initial ratings for his right foot and wrist fractures have been granted, with a 10 percent rating assigned in each case.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left arm, shoulder, elbow, hand, and wrist disabilities, to include cervical spine disc disease with radiculopathy, are not etiologically related to his active service. The Veteran does not have a current free-standing diagnosis of a sleep disorder.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, a cervical spine disability, and an eye disorder. The other issues have been remanded due to incomplete development.

The Board granted service connection for the Veteran's bilateral wrist disorder and bilateral hand disorders, finding that these conditions are related to his military duties. Service connection was not established for arthritis.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a DRO hearing and issuance of an SOC regarding her claims for higher initial ratings for left hand CTS, right hand CTS, and left hand scar due to CTS.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board finds that his TDIU is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left hand carpal tunnel syndrome and left arm paresthesia are service-connected.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for the claims of service connection for bilateral pes planus, residuals of prostate cancer with erectile dysfunction, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, acute sinusitis, and residuals of a left ear cystectomy. The Board does not have jurisdiction to consider these matters.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a left wrist disorder, but denied it on the merits. The pre-existing condition was found to have existed prior to service and not aggravated by service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA and private treatment records, as well as providing the Veteran with appropriate VA examinations to assess his lumbar spine, left shoulder, and left wrist disabilities.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for traumatic brain injury, right wrist sprain, and denied his claim for service connection for insomnia and costochronditis. The decision is based on evidence that supports a finding of current disabilities related to these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability, radiculopathy of the lower extremities, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, and residuals of a right foot injury. The claim for a headache disorder is pending.,Service connection was also granted for a chronic bilateral knee disability.