Wrist & hand decisions — 2017

The Veteran's right wrist scarring is not compensable, but he meets the criteria for TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his residual fracture of the right distal ulna was denied as there is no evidence of malunion or nonunion, and the disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Codes 5206-5208.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA examinations and updating treatment records.

The Veteran's right carpal tunnel syndrome was granted a higher rating of 30 percent effective August 20, 2016. The other issues remain in appellate status.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for erectile dysfunction, left carpal tunnel syndrome, peripheral neuropathy of the left foot, and increased ratings for right femur fracture, right knee degenerative joint disease, and bilateral hearing loss have been dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on the issues of left wrist, hand, knee, ankle, and foot disabilities have been dismissed as he withdrew these claims in November 2015. The right hand disability (diagnosed as degenerative joint disease) has been granted service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate medical opinion in the May 2012 VA examination report. The Veteran's right wrist and thumb disabilities are being reviewed with additional service treatment records from July 1963 and March 1964.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome of both wrists. The Board finds that the Veteran's current carpal tunnel syndrome, left wrist, was incurred during service and his right wrist condition is also related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to allow for a new VA examination and review of his service-connected carpal tunnel syndrome, as well as the issue of TDIU. The Veteran seeks increased ratings for his right and left carpal tunnel syndromes.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches, joint pain, muscle cramps, and a skin disability is granted. The claims for irritable bowel syndrome, memory loss, and bilateral hand disabilities are denied.

The Veteran's left wrist degenerative change, status post distal radial fracture, and left knee patellofemoral syndrome did not preclude him from performing gainful employment for which his education and occupational experience otherwise qualify him.,Effective May 29, 2012, service-connection was established for a mood disorder NOS, rated 100 percent disabling.

The Veteran's panic disorder is rated at 30 percent since January 27, 2012.,The Veteran's low back disability has been rated at 10 percent since October 23, 2011. The claim for a higher rating remains pending.,The Veteran's neck disability has been rated at 10 percent since October 18, 2013.,The Veteran's left upper extremity radiculopathy and carpal tunnel syndrome have been rated at 30 percent since October 23, 2011.,The Veteran's digestive disability has not yet reached the threshold for a higher rating.,The Veteran's painful scars have been rated as non-compensable (0 percent).,The Veteran's anemia has not yet reached the threshold for a higher rating.,The Veteran's uterine condition, with secondary voiding dysfunction, has been rated at 30 percent since October 18, 2013.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss disability, sleep apnea, neck condition and gastrointestinal condition are all service-connected. The Board has also granted service connection for sinusitis and low back condition. However, the Veteran's bilateral shoulder, elbow, wrist and knee conditions have not been established as service-connected.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right wrist disability, right ankle disability, and right ear hearing loss due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of VA examination, and the Veteran's claim for an increased rating for traumatic arthritis of the left wrist is being returned to the AOJ for further action.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's ruptured tendons, hemorrhoids, and right wrist CTS. The rating of 10 percent for right elbow tendonitis remains unchanged.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient consideration of the Veteran's service connection claims and a need for new VA opinions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not contribute to his accidental overdose and subsequent death, as evidenced by the lack of evidence showing a direct link between his medications and the overdose. The appellant's claim is denied.

The Veteran's right and left wrist carpal tunnel syndromes have been rated based on their severity, with the highest ratings granted for each condition.,For her status post tonsillectomy, she has received a non-compensable rating but is seeking an initial compensable evaluation.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his service-connected chronic left wrist sprain has been denied by the Board. The disability is currently rated at 10 percent, and no higher as there is no evidence of ankylosis.