Wrist & hand decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and assessments, particularly regarding his claimed low back disability, neck disability, and gastrointestinal symptoms. The asthma claim is also being remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, warranting entitlement to TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings was denied, with the exception of a grant of a 50% rating for depression effective January 30, 2012. The Veteran is not entitled to a higher rating for his depressive disorder.

The Veteran's left wrist disability, manifested by pain and decreased grip strength with limited motion, is currently rated at 10 percent. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the current level of disability.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has been granted. The Board found that the evidence supported a finding of entitlement to this higher rating based on the severity of his IBS symptoms.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left wrist condition and bilateral hearing loss are service-connected based on direct evidence, with no presumption of service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling an examination and obtaining updated VA medical records.

The appeal has been dismissed as the appellant withdrew it prior to a decision being made.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of a neck disorder, low back disorder, and left wrist disorder due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board found new and material evidence to reopen claims of service connection for right and left knee disabilities, but did not find such evidence in the case of a claim for PTSD. The decision on the left wrist disability is pending as it was previously denied based on lack of line-of-duty status.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome and bilateral upper extremity neurological symptoms are related to her service, with reasonable doubt resolving in her favor. The Veteran's bilateral upper extremity pain is due to a medically unexplained chronic multisymptom illness.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease is presumed to have been incurred in service as a result of herbicide exposure. The Board finds that the left wrist carpal tunnel syndrome was at least as likely as not incurred in or caused during service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current right hand disability or left hand disability related to service. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for flexor tendonitis of the right wrist was granted, with no effective date provided as it is the maximum schedular rating under Diagnostic Code 5215. The issue of entitlement to TDIU based on service-connected wrist injuries remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal of the denial of service connection for disabilities of the right shoulder, right wrist, left knee, bilateral knees, and cervical spine has been granted. The issues have been remanded to obtain any additional VA treatment records and determine if a VA examination is required.

The Veteran's appeals have been withdrawn. The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of a right testicular/groin disability, right leg disability, or lumbosacral spine disability. Service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's tinnitus was found to have begun during military service and is therefore granted service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome or any neurological disability of the upper extremities. The claim for service connection for this condition is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, but denied the remaining issues of increased ratings and secondary service connection. The Veteran is still seeking higher ratings for his back, left knee, and bilateral wrist disabilities.

The Veteran's right shoulder arthritis and right wrist disability are not service-connected as they are not related to his active service or a service-connected condition. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a finding of a current right wrist disability during the appeal period.