Wrist & hand decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected tension headaches, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and cervical spondylosis disabilities prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment. After affording the Veteran the benefit of the doubt, his service-connected disabilities alone are sufficient to meet the criteria for a TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected spinal stenosis with degenerative disease, including IVDS, warrants a 40 percent rating throughout the appeal period. The Veteran also meets criteria for TDIU.

The Veteran's cervical spondylosis disability has not shown sustained improvement since January 1, 2016. The current rating of 10 percent is appropriate.,The Veteran's right wrist carpal tunnel syndrome did not meet the criteria for a higher rating from August 19, 2014, to December 16, 2015, and since December 17, 2015.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for right wrist tendonitis is granted. The Board found that the Veteran has demonstrated a right wrist tendonitis disability during the appeal, and such disability first manifested during active service.

The Veteran has withdrawn her appeals regarding the increased ratings and service connection for various conditions, including left shoulder disability, right wrist disability, right foot disability, left foot disability, right great toe disability (hallux valgus), herpes simplex virus type 2, and genital warts.

The Board has remanded the case due to a hearing request not being followed up. The Veteran's claims for service connection for various arthritis conditions in multiple joints are on appeal.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left wrist disabilities, to include carpal tunnel syndrome, are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's right ankle disability was not incurred in active service and the Board finds that service connection for a right ankle disability is not warranted.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for an epididymal cyst has been granted. Service connection is also established for hemorrhoids.

The Veteran's right ankle sprains are currently evaluated as 10 percent disabling. The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current left wrist disability and therefore service connection for this condition is denied.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for service connection for hypertensive vascular disease with hypertension and osteoarthritis of the bilateral knees, ankles, and wrists. As a result, the claims are dismissed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss are service-connected.,Service connection is granted for tinnitus, as it is at least as likely as not incurred in service due to noise exposure. Service connection is also granted for bilateral hearing loss, as it is at least as likely as not incurred in service due to noise exposure.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral knee disability, neurological disorder of the bilateral upper extremities, and low back disability is denied as there is no evidence to support these claims.

The Board has granted service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome in both the right and left upper extremities, finding that it is related to the Veteran's service as an aviator.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right wrist disability was incurred in service, resolving reasonable doubt in his favor.

The Board has granted service connection for a right wrist scar and found it was incurred in military service. The issue of entitlement to service connection for B-cell leukemia is dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional VA and private medical records, as well as service personnel records. The appellant's claims will be readjudicated based on the updated evidence.

The Veteran's right carpal tunnel syndrome is currently rated at 40 percent, but no higher.,The Veteran's left carpal tunnel syndrome is currently rated at 30 percent, but no higher.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, and he also has various other disabilities in his back, hands, wrists, elbows, ankles, shoulders, and hips. The Board finds these claims are granted.

The Veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome, right hand, is currently rated at 70 percent effective July 2, 2014.,The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been rated as noncompensable prior to June 30, 2014 and increased to 10 percent from June 30, 2014 to August 21, 2017. It is now rated at 60 percent thereafter.,The Veteran's hypertension has been rated as 10 percent since the effective date of his service connection.