Wrist & hand decisions — 2017

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant through his authorized representative.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected left wrist carpal tunnel syndrome does not warrant a rating in excess of 40 percent since November 1, 2010. The other issues regarding her service-connected foot conditions have also been denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for CTS, a skin disorder, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The evidence does not establish a direct link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, finding that it was aggravated by active service. Service connection is denied for gout tophaceous arthritis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome is not service-connected, and any secondary service connection claim for scars/tightness or hypertension due to this condition is also denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right arm and wrist disabilities did not occur in, or are otherwise related to, service.

The Veteran's left wrist laceration with residual nerve damage resulted in moderate incomplete paralysis prior to May 10, 2011 and severe incomplete paralysis beginning on that date. The RO granted a higher initial rating of 40 percent for the condition effective from May 10, 2011.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are of such severity prior to October 30, 2015 that they preclude substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's left wrist disability is found to have been permanently aggravated by active service, and the claim for service connection is granted. The claims of entitlement to initial ratings in excess of 10 percent for right and left knee disabilities are remanded for additional development.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim to reopen her service connection for arthritis of the right upper extremity. The remaining issues, including service connection for a menstrual disorder and nonservice-connected pension benefits, are REMANDED for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus, carpal tunnel syndrome and peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities do not meet or nearly approximate the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent. The Veteran does not have functional impairment to the extent necessary to warrant a separate compensable rating for erectile dysfunction and peripheral neuropathy of the groin.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, finding that there was no direct evidence linking it to his active military service. The Board also found against secondary service connection due to aggravation by other service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities cause the need for aid and attendance, which has been granted.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for her right wrist fracture is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including an updated VA examination.

The Veteran's bilateral upper extremity disability is not considered a qualifying additional disability due to the November 10, 2009 hip surgery. The Board finds that there is no evidence of causation or fault on part of VA.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected left wrist disability was granted, with an effective date of August 22, 2009. The current rating is 20 percent for avascular necrosis of carpal bones from January 5, 2015.

The Board denied service connection for arthritis of multiple joints, including the left hand, left wrist, bilateral hips, bilateral ankles, and bilateral feet.,The Board also denied service connection for right great toe gout and left great toe gout. The Board found that these conditions did not manifest within one year of discharge from service or were not related to service.

The Board found that the Veteran's left upper extremity nerve disability (carpal tunnel syndrome) is not service connected, as it was not shown to be directly related to his service-connected left shoulder disability. The Board also found no evidence of a neck disability in service or for many years thereafter.

The Veteran's claim for an increased initial rating for a right wrist condition, earlier effective date for service connection of a right wrist condition, and service connection for hepatitis and major depressive disorder have been granted. The right wrist condition is rated at 10 percent disabling since October 29, 2012.