Wrist & hand decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings, service connection, and effective dates have been denied. The claim of service connection for sleep apnea has not met the criteria as there is no current diagnosis.

The Veteran's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 were denied as the evidence did not show that VA was at fault in providing medical care, and the complications resulting from the surgery were reasonably foreseeable.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for various disabilities including degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, radiculopathy, left wrist and right wrist avascular necrosis, as well as a higher rating for his cervical spine disability. The appeal also includes an issue regarding TDIU.,The Veteran seeks service connection for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, degenerative joint disease of the left ankle, and avascular necrosis of both wrists. He also requests a higher initial rating for his right ankle disability and entitlement to TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.,,,The Veteran seeks service connection for avascular necrosis of the right wrist due to service-connected right ankle disability. The appeal includes an issue regarding TDIU.,,,

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claims for COPD, carpal tunnel syndrome, peripheral neuropathy, and bilateral hearing loss are granted. The decision is based on the evidence showing a relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for clarification regarding the Veteran's military duties and exposure to herbicide agents in Thailand. The appellant must provide evidence of herbicide agent exposure, which may be verified through the U.S. Army Joint Services Records Research Center (JSRRC).

The Veteran's low back disability is service-connected, tinnitus and gastrointestinal disability are not service-connected, right wrist disability is service-connected, but left wrist disability is not service-connected.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for left wrist strain has been withdrawn.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found that new and material evidence was not received to reopen the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition (depression). The left wrist strain claim was reopened, but the Board determined that there is no current diagnosis of a chronic or permanent disability related to service. Claims for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia and right lower extremity sciatica were also denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current right wrist disability and finds that her claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining service personnel records and addressing whether his in-service injury was incurred in line of duty. The issues on appeal will be reconsidered after these actions.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to the receipt of a request for withdrawal prior to the Board issuing a decision.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete medical records and further examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's left wrist disorder is related to service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete medical records and further examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's left wrist disorder is related to service.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding increased ratings for various conditions, including obstructive sleep apnea, right ankle degenerative joint disease, lumbar spine degenerative changes, left lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic branch), right shoulder degenerative joint disease, left shoulder degenerative joint disease, tinnitus, heart disorder, and other related conditions. The appeals are dismissed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings or service connection.

The Veteran's esophageal cancer, bilateral wrist disorder, and left knee disorder are not service-connected.,Service connection was denied for all issues due to lack of evidence linking the conditions to military service.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to a decision being made.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeal regarding his claim for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. The right ear hearing loss claim was denied in October 2001, and no new and material evidence was received during the subsequent appeals period. The left ear hearing loss is rated as noncompensable due to its mild nature. Peripheral vascular disease claimed as circulatory disorder has not been linked to service.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as his service-connected conditions do not warrant higher initial ratings.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining a new VA examination and obtaining outstanding treatment records.