Wrist & hand decisions — 2018

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for depressive disorder and carpal tunnel syndrome, finding no new and material evidence to reopen the claim for depression and that there is no medical evidence linking the current diagnoses to service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for fibromyalgia and heart disability, as there is no evidence of these conditions during the pendency of his claim. The Board has also found that new examinations are necessary to assess the current severity of his lumbar spine and headache disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection of a back disability and found that new and material evidence had not been submitted. The Veteran was also denied increased evaluations for his left knee disorder and right wrist disabilities, as well as TDIU.

The Veteran's hepatitis C and left arm carpal tunnel syndrome were not found to be related to service or any presumptive exposure, leading to a denial of both claims.

The Veteran was found unemployable from August 29, 2011 to September 30, 2015 due to the combined effects of his service-connected PTSD and sleep apnea. His combined disability rating for these conditions is 80 percent.

The Veteran's broken teeth were caused by VA treatment, but not due to negligence or lack of foreseeability. The other conditions are denied as they do not meet the criteria for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151.

The Veteran's current lipoma of the neck and left wrist arthritis were incurred during service, warranting service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including VA examinations and addendum opinions to address the Veteran's claims of thoracic outlet syndrome, left wrist carpal tunnel syndrome, and cervical spine disorder. The appeal is now before the Board with a mixed disposition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and schedule her for a VA examination of her upper back, wrists, and potential neurological issues. The case will be reviewed again after the requested development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left arm disability is aggravated by his service-connected right arm/wrist disability, but does not establish a separate compensable rating for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's appeal for various service connection claims, including those related to his throat disorder and diabetes mellitus, have been withdrawn. The claim for a throat disorder was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence. Service connection for diabetes mellitus, heart disability, and neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities were also denied.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a left hand and wrist disability was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of a current disability related to his in-service fall.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right elbow disability, left wrist disability, sleep apnea, GERD, and left shoulder disability. The Board finds that these conditions are related to his active military service.,Service connection is granted for each of the Veteran's claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for high cholesterol is denied as it does not represent a disability for which VA compensation benefits may be awarded. The Board finds that the evidence of record does not support a finding that his bilateral elbow, wrist, and hip disabilities are related to service or an undiagnosed illness. His right hip disability remains on appeal.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to appear for scheduled VA examinations. The issues of service connection for various conditions are being reviewed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetic retinopathy has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.,Service connection for a left wrist disability is denied due to lack of evidence of current disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not meet the criteria for a TDIU on a schedular basis from May 2, 2007, to October 2, 2009. The Board found that her unemployment was due to nonservice-connected factors and she was in school during this period.

The Veteran's service in the Southwest Asia theater of operations from December 1990 to May 1991 is considered qualifying. The Board finds that the Veteran's joint pain, which has been present for more than six consecutive months and meets criteria for a presumptive service connection due to an undiagnosed illness.

The Veteran's service-connected anxiety disorder is rated at 50 percent, which reflects occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's combined service-connected disability rating is at least 80 percent, and he meets the schedular criteria for a TDIU. The Board finds that his disabilities render him unemployable.