Wrist & hand decisions — 2018

The Veteran's appeal was granted, and he is now entitled to a temporary total disability rating for convalescent purposes following surgery for fungus infection of the feet from March 1, 2010 to April 1, 2010.

The Board has determined that the appellant's service-connected right wrist disability warrants a rating of 10 percent, effective October 20, 2003. The evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Board has vacated the portion of its September 2017 decision that denied reopening of claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a left wrist disability, and COPD. The new evidence does not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating these claims.

The Veteran's right wrist chronic traumatic arthritis is denied. The Veteran was granted separate ratings of 20 percent for his right wrist carpal tunnel syndrome prior to July 23, 2014 and from that date.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is denied because his service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that additional examinations are needed for the Veteran's right wrist, ankle and knee disabilities, as well as his GERD. The issues of service connection for left knee and ankle disabilities have also been remanded due to inadequate examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU prior to August 17, 2009 were denied as his service-connected disabilities did not meet the schedular requirements for a TDIU rating.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for joint pain as due to an undiagnosed illness is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination and consideration of private treatment records.

The Veteran's PTSD and carpal tunnel syndrome of the left wrist are currently rated appropriately. The claim for service connection for elbow and shoulder pain is denied as it is part of his existing carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral hammertoes, calluses of the feet, and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and cervical spine due to a fall during VA medical treatment. The right shoulder disorder is also granted as a result of the same incident.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his right wrist disability.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient rationale in the VA examiner's opinion and a need for updated treatment records.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain outstanding VA treatment records and to provide the Veteran with appropriate VA examinations for her claimed disabilities. The case will be remanded for these actions.

The Veteran's right knee patellofemoral syndrome is rated at 10 percent, with a separate 10 percent rating for limitation of extension. The Veteran's left wrist tendinitis is also rated at 10 percent.

The case is being remanded for further development, including obtaining updated information from the Veteran regarding his income and medical expenses, scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his left wrist disability, and recalculating his countable income. The appeal will be reconsidered after these steps are completed.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is found to be at least as likely as not due to in-service noise exposure, and service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's TBI, right upper extremity neuropathy, left carpal tunnel syndrome, and bilateral radiculopathy of the lower extremities are all found to be related to his service.,His right knee disorder is also found to be related to his service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating have been denied. The Board found no evidence linking the current right clavicle, right wrist, or bilateral leg disabilities to his active duty service. For left knee disability, while there is no ankylosis or other severe impairment, the Veteran does not meet criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5003.

The Veteran's residuals of fracture/gunshot wound of the left hand have been rated as unfavorable ankylosis of four digits (index, long, ring, and little fingers) warranting a 40% rating. The Veteran's left wrist reduced motion has also been rated as noncompensable. The scar on the left hand status post gunshot wound has been rated as 20%. These ratings are granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a left fifth finger fracture disorder and wrist disorder have been granted. However, the claim for service connection for a wrist disorder remains denied.