Wrist & hand decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected dog bite scars of the right elbow and left wrist are being remanded for further examination to determine their current status and whether they were caused or aggravated by his military service.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral wrist disabilities, including carpal tunnel syndrome and degenerative joint disease.

The Board found no current diagnosis of a right wrist disability and denied service connection for bilateral arm CTS on the grounds that there was no in-service disease or injury, and no nexus to service.

The Veteran's skin disorder was not service-connected due to lack of evidence linking the condition to his military service. His PTSD with depressive disorder and alcohol abuse were also denied as they did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board denied service connection for back, hip, and leg disorders secondary to gouty arthritis of the right wrist and feet. The Veteran's current symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5017.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his right wrist, right knee, and right ankle conditions due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran needs to provide updated treatment records and undergo new examinations.

The Board denied service connection for a right wrist disorder with degenerative changes and bilateral pes planus, finding no evidence of in-service injury or disease that led to the current disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and remanded the remaining issues related to right wrist, left wrist, psychiatric disability including PTSD, SI joint and L5 osteoarthritis, and left ankle osteoarthritis.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection of heart disability, left wrist disability, mononucleosis, and sleep apnea. The claim for PTSD was granted with new and material evidence but not reopened as it is considered a direct service connection case. Service connection for diabetes mellitus II was denied due to lack of exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran's left wrist disability was evaluated during an August 2015 VA examination. The examiner noted the Veteran’s report of having flare-ups that occurred once or twice a month and involved limited range of motion. The Board found another examination should be obtained on remand due to unclear opinion regarding functional loss during flare-ups.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a chronic right hand disorder and entitlement to TDIU prior to November 8, 2012 due to incomplete development. The Veteran's case will be returned for further examination and readjudication.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and conducting further examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected knee and wrist disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected PTSD or pain from his other disabilities caused or aggravated his heart disease, which was the cause of death.

The Veteran's right carpal tunnel syndrome is rated at a 10 percent evaluation from March 1, 2011 to July 9, 2012.

The Veteran's service-connected left wrist fracture and right wrist open reduction internal fixation are currently rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available under VA regulations. The appeal for higher ratings has been denied.

The Veteran's right shoulder impingement syndrome is granted as service connection was reopened.,Service connection for lumbar spine disability with bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression and insomnia), bilateral flat feet, left hip disability, right hip condition, left wrist disability, right wrist disability, left knee disability, right knee disability, left ankle disability, right ankle disability, heart condition, and erectile dysfunction is granted.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus are denied.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for a right wrist disability and remanded the remaining issues. The claim for bilateral hearing loss remains denied as new evidence does not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were remanded due to insufficient evidence. The denial of respiratory disorder service connection is upheld.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to new evidence of a connective tissue disorder, which may be related to in-service chemical exposures. The VA will obtain additional medical records and personnel files, clarify his Persian Gulf veteran status, and schedule an examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine disability and right wrist carpal tunnel syndrome, finding that there was no evidence of such disabilities during her active duty service or within one year of separation from any period of active duty.