Wrist & hand decisions — 2019

The Veteran's right wrist disability is currently rated as noncompensable. The Board has granted a compensable rating of 10 percent for the right wrist disability effective June 24, 2011. The issues of entitlement to increased ratings for migraine headaches, TBI residuals, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) are remanded.

The Board has denied service connection for COPD, but has remanded the issues of service connection for ischemic heart disease, diabetes, carotid arterial disease, left hand disability, right hand disability, and neuropathy of the lower extremities as due to herbicide exposure. The issue of compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for left true vocal cord paralysis with dysphonia and globus sensation has been remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for the service-connected residuals of left wrist ligamental injury, status post-operative stabilization procedure, is being remanded due to a misfiled power of attorney and failure to notify his representative.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development to determine the relationship between his COPD, left and right hand carpal tunnel syndrome, and his military service.

The Veteran's kidney cancer is related to his service as an aviation repairman, and the Board has granted service connection for residuals of kidney cancer. The claim for a compensable rating for excision of ganglion from his left wrist is dismissed.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for cervical spine arthritis, right shoulder degenerative joint disease, left knee disability, and left elbow carpal tunnel syndrome with ulnar nerve involvement have been denied. The VA has determined that the current ratings adequately reflect the severity of these conditions.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted as service-connected, but his painful right wrist condition is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral foot pain and bilateral wrist pain due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error. New medical opinions are needed to determine the etiology of the claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for chronic right wrist sprain and PTSD are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical examination and lack of private treatment records. The Veteran's left wrist tendonitis is related to service, but a new VA examiner must provide an opinion considering all relevant evidence.

The Veteran's request to restore a 30% rating for left knee limitation of extension was granted. A separate claim for a 10% rating during the period between December 1, 2015 and March 14, 2019 was also granted. However, any claims seeking ratings higher than 20% for left knee limitation of extension after March 14, 2019 were denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for various disabilities, including left knee disability, right knee disability, heart condition, right wrist disability, and right toe disability. The Veteran is to be scheduled for VA examinations in order to determine if his current disabilities are related to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right-hand arthritis, a right ankle disability, right CTS, headaches, and residuals of frostbite. The Board found that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of right wrist and bilateral knee disorders have been denied.,The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for her left ring finger disability has been remanded.,The Veteran's claims for service connection of a right thumb disorder, right index finger disorder, low back disorder, and right great toe and foot disorder have been remanded.,The Veteran's claim for service connection of dermatitis has been remanded.,The Veteran's claim for service connection of a headache disorder secondary to her service-connected allergic rhinitis has been remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, and the Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims for jaw condition, left shoulder disability, bilateral wrist disability, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, depression, and schizophrenia), left hip disability, sleep apnea, and arthritis of various joints. The appeals are granted.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance, which is granted for increased special monthly compensation.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for secondary service connection for his left wrist ligament surgery, finding that it was proximately caused by his service-connected left ankle disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including sacroiliitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), traumatic brain injury residuals, left wrist disorder, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, narcolepsy, and fibromyalgia have all been denied. The Board found no evidence of a current diagnosis or in-service incurrence of these conditions.

The Board denied service connection for back, wrist, knee, finger, and neck disabilities due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to military service.,The VA examinations did not provide sufficient information regarding the etiology of the claimed conditions.

The Board dismissed all the appeals due to the death of the appellant.