Wrist & hand decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a multi-symptom disability including fatigue, increased muscle enzymes, chronic body pain, muscle cramps, stiffness, cold intolerance, and constipation was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a compensable rating for erectile dysfunction (ED) as there were no indications of penile deformity or loss of erectile power.,The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for CTS of the right wrist, left wrist, and hypothyroidism with cold intolerance and constipation was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a compensable rating for ED as there were no indications of penile deformity or loss of erectile power.,The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for CTS of the right wrist, left wrist, and hypothyroidism with cold intolerance and constipation was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a compensable rating for ED as there were no indications of penile deformity or loss of erectile power.,The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for CTS of the right wrist, left wrist, and hypothyroidism with cold intolerance and constipation was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a compensable rating for ED as there were no indications of penile deformity or loss of erectile power.,The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for CTS of the right wrist, left wrist, and hypothyroidism with cold intolerance and constipation was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a compensable rating for ED as there were no indications of penile deformity or loss of erectile power.,The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for CTS of the right wrist, left wrist, and hypothyroidism with cold intolerance and constipation was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a compensable rating for ED as there were no indications of penile deformity or loss of erectile power.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his request for a Board hearing by live videoconference. The case will be returned to the Board after scheduling the requested hearing.

The Veteran's right arm injury, including wrist and elbow fractures, resulted in arthritis. The Board has granted a separate initial disability rating of 10 percent for residuals of a right arm injury (residuals of fractures of the right wrist).

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease and right wrist scar, as well as his claim for service connection for right wrist arthritis, were denied. The Veteran's right wrist arthritis claim was withdrawn prior to a final decision.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining an opinion from a VA examiner regarding whether any service-connected disability caused or permanently aggravated the Veteran's left wrist disability. The claim will be readjudicated after this development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the severity of her service-connected right wrist disability and updated VA treatment records.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right wrist and right thumb disabilities, finding that there is no direct or secondary service connection based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations.

The Board has remanded the case for scheduling a Travel Board hearing due to the Veteran's request.

The Board has remanded the appeal due to scheduling issues for VA examinations. The Veteran's claims for service connection for various spine and knee disorders are now pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a videoconference hearing on all issues, including the claim of service connection for GERD.

The Board has granted service connection for a cervical spine/neck disorder and awarded a 10% disability rating for the left wrist ligament tear.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for degenerative disc disease of the thoracic and lumbar spine, and left wrist strain were denied by the Board.

The Veteran is unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities, and the Board has granted a TDIU effective July 18, 2015.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a low back disability was granted. The Board found that the Veteran's left carpal tunnel syndrome, right CTS, and foot disabilities were not entitled to increased ratings.

The Veteran's heart disability, including as due to herbicide exposure, is service-connected. However, his adjustment disorder with memory loss and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome are not found to be related to active duty service or service-connected conditions. His peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities is also not found to be related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to missing service medical records and incomplete etiology opinions.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as his conditions do not warrant an evaluation in excess of the current ratings for residuals of a gunshot wound to the right wrist, hand and foot.

The Veteran's service-connected right wrist disability is rated at 40 percent, effective August 31, 2009. The appeal for rheumatoid arthritis was denied.