Wrist & hand decisions — 2016

The Veteran's claims for bilateral wrist disability, Meniere's disease, and exostosis of the ears were all denied. The Board found that no effective date earlier than July 23, 2008 is warranted for the grant of service connection for Meniere's disease.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating or service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral wrist arthralgia and dysthymic disorder. The issue of entitlement to a Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) is remanded due to the assignment of initial ratings.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess neurological abnormalities associated with the Veteran's service-connected left wrist disability and collection of outstanding VA treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, sleep apnea, and lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, are found to be so severe that they prevent him from securing or following any substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's left wrist disability and whether it is related to service or any other condition. The case will be returned for further action.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis and sprain of the thoracolumbar spine is manifested by forward flexion to 30 degrees or less, warranting a disability rating of 40 percent.

The Board has ordered a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current left shoulder and right wrist disabilities. The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to his failure to report for the scheduled examination.

The Veteran's service-connected tinnitus is assigned the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent. The claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus is denied as there are no legal grounds to assign a higher evaluation under Diagnostic Code 6260. For ED, the RO has already granted service connection and assigned the minimum (zero percent) evaluation allowed by law.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome, right hand, was not incurred in active service. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is also denied as there is no indication of its onset during or related to his military service.

The Veteran's right wrist tendonitis claim has been reopened and granted. His right knee patellofemoral syndrome is rated at 10%.

The Veteran's right little finger disability, including carpal tunnel syndrome, is service connected and rated at the maximum allowable under VA regulations. The claim for an initial compensable rating for his right little finger crush injury with residual scar is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for his right wrist disability, finding that symptoms of painful motion and clicking did not meet or approximate criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent. The issue of TDIU was referred to the RO.

The Veteran is seeking compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for carpal tunnel syndrome, which he claims was caused by a surgical procedure at a VA medical center. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran sustained an additional disability as a result of the surgery and whether it was proximately caused by carelessness or negligence on the part of VA.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his service-connected carpal tunnel syndrome, left hand is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and development of records.

The Veteran's left wrist ganglion cyst, status post removal, was initially rated at 10 percent prior to April 8, 2014. From that date, the rating has been increased to 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected carpal tunnel syndrome of both upper extremities does not warrant a rating in excess of 30 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the failure of VA examinations and undeliverable mail. The case will be returned for further action, including scheduling new examinations.

The Veteran's increased rating claim for his service-connected chronic nonunion, left navicular fracture (minor left wrist) was denied by the Board. The disability has not been manifested by ankylosis and does not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for various conditions, including a right ankle condition and its secondary effects on his knees, hips, back, and carpal tunnel syndrome. The Board will review the evidence to determine if new and material evidence has been submitted and to decide whether these claims should be granted.