Wrist & hand decisions — 2019

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral upper extremity pinched nerves, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, and bilateral ulnar neuropathy should be remanded due to a lack of a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal regarding his claims for service connection for chronic pain syndrome, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, cervical spine posttraumatic osteoarthritis, and lumbar spine degenerative disc disease with posttraumatic lumbar osteoarthritis has been withdrawn. The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension was denied.,The Veteran's appeal regarding his claims for service connection for migraines has also been withdrawn. His petition to reopen his claims for cervical spine posttraumatic osteoarthritis and lumbar spine degenerative disc disease with posttraumatic lumbar osteoarthritis have been granted, but the issues of entitlement to service connection for hypertension and migraines remain pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder condition is not related to service, and his bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and left foot condition are remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities is being remanded as he testified that his conditions have worsened since the last examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to additional information and evidence that needs to be obtained, including verification of any Reserve duty after discharge in 1976, Social Security Administration records, and medical examinations.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, right and left carpal tunnel syndrome, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and traumatic brain injury (TBI) as the evidence did not establish a nexus between these conditions and service.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including bilateral knee arthritis, bilateral shoulder arthritis, gastrointestinal disability, headaches, left wrist carpal tunnel syndrome, and right wrist carpal tunnel syndrome. The reasons given were that the evidence did not support a finding of in-service onset or relationship to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened, and he requires assistive devices to walk. The Board has ordered a new VA examination to assess the impact of his service-connected conditions on his ability to use assistive devices for locomotion.

The Board has stayed adjudication of all cases affected by the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019, including this case.,Service connection is denied for erectile dysfunction, depression, bilateral sinus condition, upper and lower teeth problem, bilateral CTS, stomach condition, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and bilateral lung condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for various service-connected disabilities due to a lack of recent VA examinations and assertions of worsening symptoms. The cases are being returned to the AOJ for further action.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left wrist and lumbar spine disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including new VA examinations.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for left wrist, left hand, and disability of the left ribs. The claim for service connection for a back disability is also granted.

The Veteran's claims for neck disorder, left knee disorder, acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD, anxiety, and depression), skin itching disorder, right ear hearing loss, right thigh disorder, right shoulder disorder, and bilateral wrist disorders are all denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities or a link to service.,Right ear hearing loss was not diagnosed for VA purposes.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected disabilities, finding that they do not preclude him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for all issues related to service connection and rating of various conditions, including right and left ankle disorders, gout, wrist pain (carpal tunnel syndrome), knee degenerative joint disease, and allergic rhinitis. The Board has dismissed the appeal due to withdrawal.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection due to his right elbow arthralgia, as well as his related hand and wrist arthritis. The AOJ is instructed to obtain an examination that addresses the severity of the Veteran’s right elbow disability and whether it aggravates his hand and wrist disabilities.

The Veteran's service connection claims for respiratory disorder, right and left knee disabilities, right and left wrist disorders, right and left ankle disorders, and tinnitus have been denied.,Initial ratings in excess of 10 percent for the Veteran’s right and left knee disabilities were also denied.

The Board has remanded multiple issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including for psychiatric disorders, knee disabilities, wrist disability, shoulder disability, cervical spine disability, and lumbar spine disability. The RO is directed to issue a Statement of the Case on the psychiatric disorder claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome of his right upper limb, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between his current condition and his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for low back condition, neck condition, residuals of a right wrist injury, and headaches as there was no evidence to support these conditions were incurred during active service or related to an in-service injury or disease.