Wrist & hand decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found no evidence of ankylosis in the left wrist, no manifestations of hypertension or diabetes to a degree of 10 percent within one year post-service, and insufficient continuity of symptoms since service for these conditions. The low back disability was not shown in service, did not manifest to a degree of 10 percent or more within one year from separation, and is not otherwise related to service. The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy and heart condition claims were denied as there is no evidence of current diagnoses.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected right wrist disability is being remanded due to inadequate examination and the need for further development.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine, left wrist, and musculoskeletal disabilities, as well as PUD secondary to a back disability. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to active service or any event therein.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions regarding his peripheral neuropathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, erectile dysfunction, and hypertension.

The Veteran's appeal involves a rating for her left wrist condition and service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records, including private treatment records and SSI disability benefits file. A VA examination will be scheduled to assess the severity of her left wrist condition and determine the nature and etiology of any diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran has withdrawn all his appeals, stating that he is satisfied with the recent rating/award letter.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his request for withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities prior to May 9, 2011, finding that his service-connected conditions did not render him unemployable.

The Board found that the Veteran's current right wrist disability, diagnosed as arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), did not manifest in service or to a compensable degree within the first post-service year, nor is it otherwise etiologically related to service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings have been withdrawn. The remaining issues are remanded for further development and readjudication.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a neurological disability, to include carpel tunnel syndrome, spinal stenosis, and ulnar neuropathy is being remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of his claims.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have any current disability due to his claimed right ankle disability, left foot frostbite, or bilateral wrist burns which could be attributed to active service or any incident of service. Therefore, the claims for these conditions are denied.

The Veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome of the left hand is rated at 10 percent and effective from May 19, 2008.,The Veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome of the right hand is rated at 10 percent and effective from February 6, 2014. The claim for an earlier effective date is denied as there is no evidence of symptoms prior to this date.

The Veteran is entitled to a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities, including left ear hearing loss, PTSD, DJD with supraspinatus tendon tear in the left shoulder, laceration right wrist with ulnar neuropathy and degenerative changes, and bilateral tinnitus.,The Veteran's multiple service-connected conditions have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's scar on his right wrist is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,Prior to September 3, 2010, the Veteran's paresthesias of the median nerve, right wrist were not manifested by mild, incomplete paralysis. Therefore, an initial compensable evaluation prior to September 3, 2010, for this condition is denied.

The Veteran has withdrawn her appeals on all issues, including the claim for service connection for a chronic respiratory disorder.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his request for a hearing and his appeal in June 2017.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to her failure to attend a VA examination and because of undeliverable correspondence. A new examination will be scheduled to determine if the Veteran has a right wrist condition related to her service.

The Veteran fractured her arm and underwent surgery on April 24, 2013. The Board is remanding the case for further development to determine specific medical expenses incurred related to this injury.