Wrist & hand decisions — 2018

The Veteran's initial evaluation for multi-level degenerative joint disease (DJD) with intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) of the lumbar spine is denied. An initial 20 percent evaluation, but no higher, is granted for DJD of the right ankle. The Veteran's service-connected carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) of the right wrist is denied an evaluation in excess of 30 percent throughout the appeal period.

The Board found that the Veteran's death was not related to any service-connected disability or to service in any other way, and thus denied service connection for the cause of his death.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear pain and tinnitus have been granted.,Service connection is also granted for a bilateral hand/wrist disability, but the claim for psychiatric disability remains denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right wrist, left knee chondromalacia, and right knee patellofemoral ligament strain disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional development including new VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings have been denied as his service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable VA rating criteria.,Specifically, the Veteran’s left wrist fracture with residual sprain does not show ankylosis. His lumbar spine disability is not manifested by ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine. The right knee and left knee degenerative arthritis do not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on limitation of motion. The bilateral ankle degenerative joint disease are rated at 10% each.

The Veteran's right shoulder arthroplasty with scars is currently rated at 60 percent, which reflects severe painful motion and weakness. The Board finds no basis to grant a higher rating as the current rating adequately accounts for his symptoms.

The Board has remanded several issues related to service connection for various disabilities, including left knee disorder, right shoulder disorder, right forearm fracture residuals, right wrist disorder, and right ankle disorder. The diabetes claim is also remanded. VA treatment records from the 1980s are requested as well as any private medical records prior to 1988.

The Board has decided to remand two issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities. The first issue is about his right wrist sprain, and the second is about his degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran is required to provide medical records from his private doctors, and a VA examination will be conducted.

The Board denied service connection for heart disability, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and bilateral hand and wrist disability due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to difficulties in scheduling VA examinations because of his incarceration. The issues include arthritis, hearing loss, COPD, hypertension, renal failure, lymphocytic lymphoma, and thrombocytopenia.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for a left wrist disability, right wrist disability, and gastrointestinal disorder due to lack of substantial compliance with previous remand directives.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development and further review.

The Board found that the termination of the TDIU rating from February 1, 2004 was proper due to the Veteran's actual employability at that time.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disorder, bilateral hearing loss disability, and tinnitus disability are granted. The recurring left wrist ganglion cyst is remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has dismissed all appeals regarding service connection for various disabilities, including left and right shoulder disabilities, obstructive sleep apnea, heart disability (CAD), left and right wrist disabilities, and paralysis of the median nerve. The Veteran withdrew his appeals for these issues during a videoconference hearing.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including for his right and left shoulder disabilities, lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, right knee disability, left knee disability, bilateral hand numbness (or carpal tunnel syndrome), and bilateral hand eczema. The remand requests that a new VA examination be scheduled for each of these conditions to provide opinions on whether they are related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of bilateral wrist or hand disabilities, and his claims for service connection are denied. The reduction in rating for left knee instability from 10% to 0% is remanded as there is evidence of sustained improvement.

The Board has granted service connection for right wrist carpal tunnel syndrome, but denied service connection for left leg disorder and bilateral foot disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate reasons and bases for the August 2016 decision, including failure to consider continuity of symptomatology under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303(b) and post-service diagnosis under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303(d).