Wrist & hand decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the case due to missing service treatment records and a VA audiological examination, as well as for an opinion on the etiology of hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, including her service in the U.S. Air Force Reserve and injuries during active duty.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for carpal tunnel syndrome of the right and left upper extremities, as well as radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, were denied. The Veteran's service-connected low back disorder was also denied a higher rating.,The Veteran's service-connected conditions are currently rated at 10 percent each.

The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected right wrist sprain, effective from the date of the decision.

The Veteran withdrew his claims for service connection for left lower extremity radiculopathy, right lower extremity radiculopathy, left carpal tunnel syndrome and right carpal tunnel syndrome, as well as his claims for increased ratings for left hip strain and tendonitis with painful motion and limited left hip flexion.

The Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative joint disease was granted a rating of 10 percent from November 16, 2008 to November 15, 2009.,From November 16, 2009, to December 27, 2015, the Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative joint disease was granted a rating of 40 percent. From December 28, 2015 onwards, it was granted a rating of 40 percent.,The Veteran's left wrist carpal tunnel syndrome was granted a rating of 10 percent from December 15, 2015 onwards.

The Board has determined that new VA examinations are needed to assess the current severity and manifestations of the Veteran's service-connected cervical spine disability, hypertension, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, and sleep apnea. The issues of entitlement to initial ratings for these conditions have been remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected left and right shoulder conditions, as well as his right wrist tendonitis and bilateral plantar fasciitis with left heel spur, were all granted a 10 percent disability evaluation for the period from August 1, 2015 to January 19, 2016.

The Board denied service connection for lumbar spine disability, right foot disability, left foot disability, tinnitus, carpal tunnel syndrome of the right wrist, and carpal tunnel syndrome of the left wrist. The preponderance of evidence did not support a finding that these conditions began during service or were related to in-service injuries.,The Board found no medical evidence linking any current lumbar spine, foot, or wrist disabilities to service.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected.,Service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and a periodontal condition (claimed as periodontal/gum condition) are denied. The Veteran's knee condition remains in dispute.

The Veteran's service-connected right foot great toe, right wrist, right knee, and lower back disabilities are being remanded for additional evaluations to determine their current severity.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran, but further development is needed including obtaining Social Security records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's right wrist disability has been rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds no evidence to warrant a higher rating.,The Veteran's left knee patellofemoral syndrome has been rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds no evidence to warrant a higher rating.,The Veteran's right knee patellofemoral syndrome has been rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds no evidence to warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for left and right carpal tunnel syndrome was dismissed because the Veteran requested withdrawal of his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal, and the Board has dismissed it.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a new opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Veteran's left wrist disability is currently rated as 10 percent disabling. The Board finds that a new examination is needed to fully and fairly evaluate his claim due to evidence of an increase in severity.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, and respiratory disability (chronic sinusitis) due to insufficient evidence regarding their onset or etiology in service. The claim for obstructive sleep apnea remains denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings due to incomplete development of records, including from private sources. The VA must obtain additional medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of all current left wrist and elbow disorders, as well as neurological disorders of the left upper extremity.

The Veteran's claims for an extraschedular rating and TDIU have been remanded due to procedural issues, including the failure of VA correspondence to reach him. The Veteran will be offered another hearing before a VLJ and his VA treatment records need to be obtained.