Wrist & hand decisions — 2018

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disability does not warrant a higher initial rating in excess of 10 percent, and thus denied his claim for an increased rating. The service-connected left wrist disability was also addressed but is no longer part of the appeal as it was granted service connection.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for higher disability ratings under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome of the right hand and radiculopathy of the right upper extremity are not service connected, as there is no evidence to support a finding that these conditions began during active service or are otherwise related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.

The Veteran's headaches are found to be secondary to his service-connected SPS and/or cervical spine disability.,There is no currently diagnosed left hand condition, but the Veteran's reports of pain may be related to his service-connected SPS.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluation of thoracolumbar strain, service connection for right ankle disability and right foot disability, as well as a disability of the right thumb, hand, and wrist were all granted.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the right ulnar neuropathy claim, and the case is dismissed. The right wrist disability increased rating claim has been remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for sleep apnea and hypertension, as well as increased ratings for other conditions. Additional development is needed to obtain complete STRs and SPRs, conduct a VA examination, and provide the Veteran with an SOC.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including hypertension, a chipped tooth, thyroid disorder, right knee disorder, left wrist ganglion cyst, left wrist carpal tunnel syndrome, and TMJ. The appeals are now pending before the Board.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including new VA examinations and consideration of newly added evidence.

The Veteran's application for a clothing allowance was denied because he does not have service-connected disabilities that affect his ankles, wrists, or skin. His use of medication and wrist braces did not cause damage to his clothing.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to outstanding records and need for examinations.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to have had onset in service and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's left wrist disability, which includes degenerative arthritis and ankylosis, is rated at 40 percent since August 25, 2010.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to their death. The Board does not have jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this appeal at this time.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to address the nature and etiology of her bilateral wrist disability, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus.

The Veteran is granted an effective date of July 8, 2006 for the assignment of a 70 percent evaluation for service-connected degenerative changes of the right wrist.,The Veteran is granted an effective date of July 8, 2006 for the grant of service connection for painful scar of the right thumb.,The Veteran is granted an effective date of July 8, 2006 for the grant of individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's right arm pain, including tendonitis and carpel tunnel syndrome, is service-connected.,Service connection for fatigue due to viral infections (EBV) is granted.,Radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities secondary to a service-connected thoracolumbar spine disability is also granted.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from a VA examiner regarding the etiology of the Veteran's right wrist disability and whether it was aggravated by service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of various disabilities, including right hand, right shoulder, left shoulder, left wrist, neck, and back disabilities, were denied as the evidence did not show a current disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left knee disorders, residuals of a left wrist injury, and psychiatric disorder have been denied as there is no evidence to support these claims.