Wrist & hand decisions — 2019

The Veteran's depressive disorder is granted as secondary to his service-connected right wrist and thumb disabilities. The Veteran also meets the criteria for a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence to adjudicate the service connection claim for right and left upper extremities disorder, including bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. The Veteran's symptoms are related to his active duty service as a Communications Repair Technician, but there is not enough evidence to determine if they are directly related or secondary to his service-connected right shoulder disability.

The Board has granted service connection for right plantar fasciitis, left plantar fasciitis, left carpal tunnel syndrome, right carpal tunnel syndrome, and bilateral leg lipodermatosclerosis. The decision is based on the Veteran's credible testimony regarding his in-service symptoms and competent medical opinions linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's endometriosis and pelvic adhesions with chronic pelvic pain, status post laparotomy are remanded for a VA examination to determine the current severity of her service-connected condition.,PTSD is remanded for a VA examination to determine the nature and severity of her PTSD.,CFS is remanded for a thorough VA examination to clarify whether the Veteran has a diagnosis of CFS, and to clarify the nature and etiology of her disability.,Right foot numbness and pain are remanded for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of her right foot condition.,Right upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome is remanded for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of her right upper extremity condition.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. The appeals for right knee disorder, left ankle disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and hypertension have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of these claims.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection. Specifically, a VA examination is needed to assess the nature and etiology of any sleep disorder, and outstanding records are requested.

The Veteran's right carpal tunnel syndrome is granted as service-connected.,A disability rating of 30 percent, but no higher, for left upper extremity median nerve syndrome is granted. The Veteran’s cervical spine condition remains at a 20 percent rating.

The Veteran's depressive disorder and obstructive sleep apnea are granted as secondary to her service-connected disabilities. The remaining claims for service connection are denied.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's right hand and/or wrist condition, including carpal tunnel syndrome, may be related to service or secondary to his left wrist disability. However, more evidence is needed for a definitive decision.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of a left wrist injury, right thigh condition, and diabetes mellitus type II (diabetes), finding no evidence of current disabilities or in-service incurrences that were not resolved.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various joint disabilities, including painful aching joints of the entire body and osteoarthritis. The VA will obtain relevant medical records from VA, SSA, and private providers, and schedule the Veteran for additional examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new examination for the left wrist disability. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Veteran's right wrist disability was granted a 10% rating, but not higher, prior to September 7, 2017.,For the period from April 1, 2008, to December 1, 2008, and February 1, 2009 to January 22, 2014, a 10% rating was granted for left lateral meniscectomy with osteoarthritis. A separate 20% rating is now granted for left knee instability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, ulnar neuropathy of the right upper extremity, chronic right wrist disability, acid reflux disease, and PTSD. The claims are being remanded due to inadequate VCAA notice.

The Veteran's service-connected right wrist disability is rated at 10 percent and the Board finds no basis for a higher rating. The claim for an increased rating is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and musculoskeletal conditions, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted entitlement to TDIU, which satisfies his appeal for a higher evaluation of PTSD.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's right wrist and bilateral knee conditions. The Veteran is not entitled to service connection for her claimed left wrist, shoulder, carpal tunnel syndrome, left knee, or right knee disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and remanded the issues of service connection for hypertension, allergies (including allergic rhinitis), a low back disability, and a left wrist disability.

The Board denied service connection for arthritis, allergic rhinitis, and irregular menses with menorrhagia as the Veteran did not have these conditions during active service or develop them due to service.

The appeal for service connection for ischemic heart disease, bilateral foot disability restoration, and TDIU is dismissed. The appeals for increased ratings for various spinal disabilities, sensory deficits of the right shoulder and forearm, left wrist carpal tunnel syndrome, and left leg sensory deficit are withdrawn.