Wrist & hand decisions — 2019

The Veteran's left wrist disability is rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for his right hand strain and TDIU are remanded due to the need for additional medical examination to differentiate symptoms related to service-connected disabilities from those of non-service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's NODs regarding lumbar strain, tinea versicolor, and radiculopathy were granted. The Veteran's hysterectomy, breast reduction, bilateral carpal tunnel release, and right-hand burn scars are rated at a combined 40 percent.

The Board has determined that there are outstanding private medical records relevant to the Veteran's claims and has ordered their retrieval. The Veteran is also asked to provide any additional private medical records from her providers.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for respiratory disability, sleep apnea, and bilateral wrist disabilities due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology. The Veteran is also requested to provide any outstanding VA or private treatment records.

The Veteran's hearing loss and bilateral elbow, wrist, and hand conditions are pending further examination and opinion. The Board finds that a remand is warranted for another VA examination and medical opinions to determine the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right upper extremity disabilities, but has found that additional development is needed due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

Service connection is granted for major depressive disorder.,The claim for service connection for a tonsil condition, low back disability, headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, BPH, nerve conditions of the lower and upper extremities, and skin rash is denied.

The Board has denied increased ratings for the Veteran's left wrist condition and thoracolumbar spine intervertebral disc syndrome with osteoarthritis. The case is remanded due to issues remaining unresolved.

An increased rating of 20 percent for left hand carpal tunnel syndrome prior to May 2, 2017 has been granted.,A request for an increased rating in excess of 20 percent for left hand CTS from May 2, 2017 onwards is denied.

The Board has decided that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for tinnitus. The claims for right big toe nail loss and carpal tunnel syndrome of the right hand are remanded due to a lack of examination.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar degenerative disc disease with lumbar spinal stenosis and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, finding that these conditions had onset during military service.

The Veteran's OSA, right wrist disability, and shin splints are all granted as service-connected. The Board found that the Veteran's OSA began during active service, his right wrist condition is related to in-service physical training, and his shin splints may be linked to in-service physical activities.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted effective March 17, 2015. The appeals for increased ratings on the remaining issues are dismissed as the Veteran has accepted the TDIU award.

The Board has granted service connection for right wrist carpal tunnel syndrome, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to a duty to assist error. A VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any knee, shoulder, wrist, hand, foot, sinusitis, and rhinitis conditions.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted a 70 percent rating, effective from the date of the decision. The Veteran’s migraine headaches are granted a 50 percent rating, and her right and left knee disabilities are remanded for further review.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder, including asthma, is granted. The Board finds that the Veteran has a current respiratory disorder related to his in-service exposure and grants this claim. For the right hand disability, the Board finds insufficient evidence to establish a nexus between the current condition and an in-service injury, thus remanding the issue.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left wrist disability is related to his in-service injury, and thus service connection for left wrist arthritis is granted.