Wrist & hand decisions — 2016

The Veteran's appeal is denied as his service-connected conditions are not rated higher than the current assigned ratings.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome is granted, as it is found to be related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed back, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, and right arm disabilities are not related to his active service. The evidence does not establish a direct relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), but denied service connection for left carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Board has granted service connection for a cardiac disorder characterized as left anterior fascicular block and left axis deviation (claimed as chest pain). The Veteran's wrist disabilities are currently rated based on limitation of motion. A VA examination is needed to assess the current severity of his bilateral wrist disabilities, including any carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Veteran's left shoulder, right knee, and bilateral hand numbness disabilities have not been shown to be related to service. The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence is against these claims.

The Board found that the Veteran's current mental health disorder was not present in service or until many years thereafter, and no competent credible evidence linked it to service. The claims for nerve damage of the right upper extremity and increased rating for residuals of a wrist injury are also denied.

The Board has ordered additional development of the Veteran's claims due to outstanding VA treatment records. The case will be remanded for further action.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination to evaluate his PTSD and panic disorder with agoraphobia.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased disability evaluation in excess of 10 percent for the service-connected allergic rhinitis has been withdrawn. The case is being remanded to issue a Statement of the Case (SOC) regarding his claims for initial noncompensable evaluations for onychomycosis and left hallux valgus, as well as his claims for service connection for right and left carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Veteran's appeal involves the evaluation of his service-connected right ring finger avulsion injury, ulnar nerve impairment, and right wrist strain. The Board has determined that further development is needed to properly address these issues.

The Veteran's bilateral CTS and knee disabilities are rated at the lowest possible levels, with no evidence of more than mild impairment in either wrist or knee. The Board finds that the current ratings adequately reflect the severity of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a diagnosed bilateral wrist disability. For sinusitis, the Board finds that there are three to six non-incapacitating episodes per year characterized by headaches, pain, and purulent discharge or crusting from November 2, 2007, to December 7, 2009, warranting a 10% rating. Prior to this period, the Veteran did not meet the criteria for any compensable rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome is not etiologically related to his military service, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.