Wrist & hand decisions — 2017

The Veteran was granted service connection for the residuals of a left biceps injury, including reduced muscle strength. He is also granted a higher rating for his headaches starting from June 15, 2010.,A separate 10 percent rating is assigned for occasional dizziness related to his headaches.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings, reopening of service connection claims, and secondary service connection were denied. The right knee condition remains rated at 10 percent, tinnitus is assigned the maximum schedular evaluation, and no new evidence was received to reopen hearing loss, headaches, or left carpal tunnel syndrome claims.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as his left wrist disability, which includes a fracture and degenerative joint disease, does not warrant a rating higher than 10 percent.

The Veteran's bilateral wrist disabilities have been rated based on limitation of motion, and a higher rating is not warranted prior to January 25, 2010, for the left wrist, and beginning May 1, 2010; and prior to May 3, 2010, for the right wrist.

The Veteran does not have a diagnosed bilateral arm disability, including carpal tunnel syndrome. The Board finds that the claim must be denied as there is no evidence of an in-service injury or disease resulting in such disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining SSA records and a VA examination to assess the Veteran's left wrist disability.

The Veteran's left wrist disability, prior to February 3, 2012, did not present with ankylosis or other conditions that would warrant a higher rating. The current evaluation of 10 percent is the maximum allowed under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Board videoconference hearing. The issues include seeking higher ratings for low back strain, service connection for PTSD and migraines, left knee disability, and residuals of wrist fracture.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral wrist condition, including CTS and carpal tunnel syndrome, is not service-connected as there is no evidence to support a direct link between his in-service symptoms and current conditions.

The Veteran's left wrist disability, which includes status-post left wrist fracture and subsequent avascular necrosis of scaphoid bone, is currently rated at 40 percent. The claim for an increased rating has been denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating based on current symptoms. Additionally, the TDIU claim was also denied.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for various conditions have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew her requests to pursue these issues.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to failure to report for a scheduled Board hearing and other procedural issues.

The Veteran's arthritis of the cervical spine was found to have manifested within one year of separation from active service, warranting presumptive service connection.,There is no evidence of rheumatoid arthritis or any other diagnosed condition in the elbows, wrists, and hips during service. The Veteran does not currently have a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.

The Veteran's prostate cancer was not incurred or aggravated in service. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a current diagnosis of prostate cancer.,VA examinations have been conducted to determine the etiology of the Veteran's back disorder, hypertension, colon cancer, and arthritis of multiple joints. Further examination is needed to provide an adequate medical opinion on these issues.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease and multiple orthopedic conditions, rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation from December 11, 2015.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling a neurological examination and obtaining outstanding VA treatment records.

The Veteran's laryngopharyngeal reflux, also claimed as voice changes and weakening, was not found to meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's right wrist fracture resulted in residual pain but no compensable disability rating due to lack of physical findings.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple knee, wrist, and low back disabilities. The RO has assigned initial ratings for these conditions, but the Veteran disagrees with these determinations.

The Veteran's left hand carpal tunnel syndrome is granted service connection, and his right ring finger disability remains at a 20% rating.

The Board has granted service connection for right CTS, finding that the condition first manifested within one year of separation from active duty. The remaining issues are remanded due to incomplete VA examinations and need for additional evidence.