Wrist & hand decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claims for hypertension, contact dermatitis, TBI residuals, gastrointestinal disorder, PTSD, shoulder disorders, hemorrhoids, cervical spine disability, migraine headaches, vision loss, testosterone imbalance, wrist and hand disorders, hip disorders, and insomnia are all remanded. Additionally, his claim for an increased rating for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities, a residual head injury scar, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss is also remanded. His TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including hypertension, contact dermatitis, TBI, and gastrointestinal disorders. The Veteran also had his TDIU claim remanded.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral wrist disabilities, bilateral knee disabilities, and hypertension as the evidence did not show these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board denied service connection for various disabilities, including respiratory issues and cardiovascular conditions, as they were not related to the Veteran's active duty or a service-connected disability.,Specifically, the Board found that the Veteran did not have a current respiratory disability other than pleural plaques, which was already service connected. The COPD he claimed was determined to be unrelated to his in-service asbestos exposure and secondary to tobacco use.

The Veteran's right wrist condition, PTSD, and bilateral hearing loss are all granted service connection. The issue of service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded.

The Veteran's left wrist tendonitis is rated at a 10 percent initial rating, effective from May 10, 2012.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for left and right arm pain, including as secondary to service-connected lumbar spine and bilateral shoulder disabilities. The Veteran's claim will be further evaluated with a VA examination to determine if his diagnosed CTS and ulnar compression of the elbows are related to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claim to reopen a previously denied bilateral hand disability was not granted as new and material evidence has not been received.,Moderate left carpal tunnel syndrome and mild ulnar neuropathy at the wrist and elbow were not service-connected, as they did not have their onset during active service or within one year of discharge.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for HIV and a wrist disability, finding that there was no evidence to support these conditions were incurred in or related to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, residuals of a tonsillectomy, gallbladder removal, and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome as they are not related to service or service-connected conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee and right wrist arthritis as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims file is incomplete and requires additional information from her service records, VA treatment records, and private medical providers. The claims are being remanded to ensure a complete record for review.

The Veteran is granted an annual clothing allowance for 2014 due to the wear and tear of her service-connected left knee, back, and wrist/thumb braces on her clothing.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his right wrist disability is being remanded due to the Veteran failing to appear at a scheduled VA examination. The Veteran will be provided another opportunity for a VA examination.

The appeal is granted to the extent of remanding for service connection and TDIU issues. The Board has determined that the Veteran's timely substantive appeal was received on August 28, 2013.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right wrist tendonitis is a separate entity from his preexisting right thumb injury and causally connected to an in-service injury, thus granting service connection for right wrist tendonitis.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss is granted. The issue of an initial compensable rating for residuals of left wrist fracture remains on appeal, as the Veteran has not withdrawn his request to continue the appeal. Service connection for allergic rhinitis with deviated septum prior to August 24, 2016, and in excess of 10 percent since that date is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left knee disability, finding that his current diagnosis of arthritis is related to an in-service injury. The right wrist claim was remanded due to conflicting findings and need for additional examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for right wrist and low back disabilities, finding no current diagnoses or evidence of in-service injuries that would support these claims.

The Veteran's claim for higher SMC under Section 1114(o) was denied as he did not meet the criteria for any of the rates provided in Sections 1114(l), (m), (n), or (o). The Board found that his service-connected disabilities have not resulted in anatomical loss or use of both arms, hands, legs, feet, or eyes, nor has he been permanently bedridden or helpless as to need regular aid and attendance.