Wrist & hand decisions — 2018

The Board has restored the previously assigned 10% disability ratings for right elbow tendonitis and right wrist strain, as the VA examination reports used to reduce these ratings were inadequate.

This decision denies the Veteran's claims for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to January 30, 2012 and from that date. The Board found insufficient evidence to support TDIU due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, hypertension, scarring (penis), migraine headaches, and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome are denied as the evidence does not establish a current disability or a relationship to service.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for scarring is denied because there is no current diagnosis of a scar. The Veteran had a scar during service but it has resolved, leaving only hypertrophic skin.,The Veteran's claims for migraine headaches and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome are remanded as the evidence does not establish a relationship to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a vision disability has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss, carpal tunnel syndrome in the left upper extremity, and carpal tunnel syndrome in the right upper extremity are also remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection of various conditions, including arthritis, back injury residuals, muscle neuropathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (depression). The missing VA treatment records from April 1972 to October 2000 are needed. An addendum opinion is required regarding whether the Veteran's low back disability was aggravated by his second period of active service.

The Veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder was rated at 50% from November 18, 2010 to July 28, 2014.,Residuals of a right shoulder rotator cuff tear were not service connected.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction, left wrist lipoma excision scar, and prostatectomy scar are all denied as not meeting the criteria for a compensable rating.,Issues related to cervical intervertebral disc syndrome, lumbar intervertebral disc syndrome, left knee strain, right knee strain, status post open reduction internal fixation of the right ankle, and status post left wrist fracture remain remanded for further examination and evaluation.,The Veteran's service connection claims for paresthesia of the left arm, pes planus, obstructive sleep apnea, posttraumatic stress disorder, chronic fatigue syndrome, narcolepsy, and a right wrist disability are all remanded for additional development.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for cervical spine disorder, right carpal tunnel syndrome, and right lower extremity radiculopathy due to the need for VA examinations to determine their etiology.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his right wrist scars has been withdrawn before the Board could make a decision.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hand disability (including trigger finger and carpal tunnel syndrome) and low back disability are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records and conduct further examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected left wrist carpal tunnel syndrome, healed surgical incision, fracture residuals with degenerative arthritis, and tinnitus do not prevent him from engaging in substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing and maintaining gainful employment for the entire period on appeal.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for mild degenerative joint changes of the lumbar spine is denied as his range of motion does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for carpal tunnel syndrome of the left upper extremity is denied as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for carpal tunnel syndrome of the right upper extremity is denied as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a hysterectomy due to an inadequate medical opinion regarding whether any current residuals are related to service.,Service connection will be considered on a direct basis, meaning that the condition must have been incurred in or aggravated by active duty.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, lumbar and cervical strains, render him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment. The right wrist condition is remanded for a medical opinion on whether it is at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by his thoracolumbar disability. The thoracolumbar strain with disc bulging is also remanded for an examination to assess the severity of his back disability, including left lower extremity radiculopathy. The left leg radiculopathy associated with thoracolumbar strain with disc bulging is also remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of extensor hallucis longus tendon transsection and non-displaced scaphoid fracture of the right wrist are granted with initial disability ratings, while gastroesophageal reflux disease and celiac disease remain at a 10 percent rating.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of his medical records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted. The claims of service connection for bilateral wrist, hand, knee, and ankle disorders are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions. The claim for service connection for a sinus disorder characterized by nosebleeds is remanded with consideration of exposure to dust storms and burn pits. The claim for service connection for bilateral peripheral neuropathy of lower extremities is remanded with consideration of in-service treatment records.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims of service connection for sinusitis, right wrist disability, bilateral knee disability, and sleep apnea. The claim of service connection for a bilateral shoulder disability is remanded.

The Board denied service connection for various disabilities, including bilateral shoulder, elbow, cervical myositis with chronic pain, lumbar spine, carpal tunnel syndrome, and lower extremity radiculopathy. The evidence did not support a finding of in-service injury or disease that caused these conditions.