Wrist & hand decisions — 2017

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pre-existing left knee and right wrist conditions did not undergo an increase in severity during service, and thus cannot be considered aggravated. As a result, the claims for service connection are denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for clarification of the effective dates assigned for his service-connected carpal tunnel syndrome ratings.

The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, a right wrist fracture with arthritis, and left knee strain (left knee mechanical derangement) were incurred or aggravated by service.,Service connection for currently diagnosed conditions of the lumbar spine, right wrist, and left knee are granted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including tinnitus, a pulmonary condition, gout, degenerative arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and metabolic syndrome. The Board also found that there is no evidence of chemical exposure or TCE exposure to support these claims.

The Board found that the Veteran's right wrist disability did not have its clinical onset in service and is not otherwise related to service. The Veteran was denied entitlement to service connection for a right wrist disability.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development and examination.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for adjustment disorder with depression was denied, as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating. The Veteran's right wrist condition remains unconnected to service.

Service connection has been established for degenerative joint disease of the bilateral wrists.,A 30 percent rating is granted for chronic sinusitis from December 21, 2010. The Veteran's symptoms include more than six non-incapacitating episodes per year characterized by headaches, pain, and purulent discharge or crusting.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected left wrist disability. The claim will be reconsidered after this additional development.

The Veteran's right carpal tunnel syndrome has been manifested by pain, numbness, and tingling resulting in decreased functional capacity only after prolonged use. The disability is currently rated as 10 percent disabling under Diagnostic Code 8515 for mild incomplete paralysis of the median nerve.

The Veteran's left wrist disability, which is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on limitation of motion or ankylosis. The Board finds that the current evaluation adequately reflects the severity of his service-connected condition.

The Veteran's right carpal tunnel release and ulnar nerve surgery resulted in moderate disability, but the appeal is denied as his current symptoms do not warrant a higher rating. The temporary total rating for convalescence beyond November 30, 2009, was also denied.

The Veteran's current respiratory disability, diagnosed as a traumatic deviated nasal septum, was incurred during service and is granted.,The Veteran's current bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome was also incurred during service and is granted.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling examinations for certain conditions.

The Board has determined that the reduction of the rating for premature ventricular complexes from 30% to 10%, effective November 21, 2012, was proper. The remaining claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings, service connection, and new and material evidence have been denied. The left wrist disability is not rated higher than 10 percent. Service connection for cold weather injuries, vision impairment, and an acquired psychiatric disability are not established. New and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim of service connection for hypertension.

The Veteran's right wrist disability, which includes residuals of a right wrist fracture, is rated at 10 percent throughout the appeal period.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right and left CTS have been denied as there is no evidence of more than moderate incomplete paralysis during the appeal period.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to inadequate medical opinion in the prior examination report. The case will be readjudicated after obtaining additional evidence and an updated VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his authorized representative requesting the withdrawal of the appeal.