Wrist & hand decisions — 2017

The Veteran's right wrist disability and associated scars are currently rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available under diagnostic codes for range of motion and scars. The Board finds that a higher evaluation is not warranted as there is no evidence of ankylosis or deep, unstable, or painful scars.

The Veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome is presumed to have been incurred in service, and the claim for service connection is granted. The issues regarding higher initial ratings for left and right knee disabilities are remanded.

The Veteran's left wrist disability has been manifested by painful motion, dorsiflexion from 0 to 5 degrees, and palmar flexion from 0 to 5 degrees. The Board found that the current 10 percent rating adequately reflects his disability level and symptomatology.

The Veteran's right elbow/wrist disability, which included cubital syndrome and carpal tunnel syndrome, was rated at 20 percent prior to December 15, 2014. The Board found that the evidence supported a rating of 20 percent for this period.

The Veteran's service-connected wrist disabilities have not been found to warrant increased ratings.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations to assess the severity of his cervical spine and left radial shaft disabilities, as well as the etiology of his bilateral hand arthritis, right elbow and wrist pain, right subacromial bursitis, left scapulothoracic bursitis, lumbar strain, right ankle sprain, and left knee arthritis.

The Board has granted a rating of 70 percent for the Veteran's right wrist disability and has determined that he is entitled to TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for a lumbar spine disorder, uterine mass, and right wrist/hand disorder. The Veteran's current conditions are not shown to be related to her active military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left wrist and low back disabilities are service-connected as they had their onset during his active duty.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for all current claims on appeal prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran's service-connected scar on the right wrist is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The left wrist disability was rated as 10 percent prior to May 21, 2015, and the Veteran is now in receipt of the maximum rating available based on loss of use of his major hand.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation prior to October 16, 2015.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including scheduling VA examinations and obtaining updated treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right wrist disability does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent, as there is no evidence of ankylosis or involvement of two or more major joints. The maximum schedular rating for limitation of motion of the wrist is already assigned.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, a bilateral sciatic nerve disability, and a cervical spine disability. The RO also denied her increased rating claims for her knees.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, and DJD of the thumbs due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to concerns about his employment handicap and the need for extension of eligibility period. The AOJ will obtain records from his last employer, update VA treatment records, and have a Counseling Psychologist or Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor determine if he has a serious employment handicap.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities combine to a 90 percent disability rating, rendering him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to outstanding VA treatment records and private treatment records.