Wrist & hand decisions — 2019

The Veteran's left wrist disability is pending fusion surgery, which could trigger application of ankylosis diagnostic codes. The claim will be remanded for further development and evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The claim to reopen the right hand numbness was not granted due to lack of new and material evidence. Increased ratings for the right knee, left cubital tunnel syndrome, and status post right wrist fracture were also denied.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection on the merits is remanded due to incomplete records and need for additional examinations. The dental condition claim was denied, while other claims remain pending.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including an ulcer, vaginal condition, dizziness, hepatitis B infection, blackouts, wrist condition, and leg pain. The evidence does not support a finding that any of these conditions were incurred or aggravated during her active military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome, as well as peripheral neuropathy in both arms, are being remanded due to the need for further medical examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome of the left and right upper extremities has been reopened.,Service connection for cervical strain is granted, with a rating of 10 percent.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of chronic sinusitis, post-concussion syndrome (including chronic headaches), or residuals of right wrist fracture incurred during the Veteran's active military service.,Service connection for these conditions was denied as the preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding that any current disability is related to the Veteran’s military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for right thumb and wrist disabilities due to lack of VA examination, outdated treatment records, and need for further medical opinion.

The Veteran's petition to reopen claims for service connection for various conditions was granted. An initial disability rating of 50 percent for migraines is granted, while a higher rating for major depressive disorder is denied.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for a right shoulder disability and bilateral wrist disability have been dismissed due to the death of the claimant.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome due to inadequate examination and lack of nexus opinions. The Veteran needs a new VA examination to determine if his bilateral wrist pain is related to service, including as secondary to any service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's gouty arthritis of bilateral knees, right foot, and right wrist is currently rated at 60 percent. The Board has ordered a new examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and left wrist disability have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left wrist disability, including a ganglion cyst, is related to his service and remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has reopened the claims of service connection for low back disability, bilateral foot disabilities, diabetes mellitus, Type II, and bilateral wrist disabilities. However, the claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus, Type II is remanded due to conflicting evidence regarding its onset.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of his claimed bilateral shoulder, elbow, wrist, cervical spine, and headache disorders. The VA examinations were not sufficient to determine if these conditions are related to active service or an undiagnosed illness.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including bilateral plantar fascitis, a hairline foot fracture, coronary artery disease, hypertension, and carpal tunnel syndrome. The RO is instructed to obtain all outstanding treatment records and schedule the Veteran for VA examinations to determine the etiology of these conditions.

The claim for a right wrist and arm disability is denied as there is no current disability.,The claim for hypertension is granted based on the presumption of service connection due to its onset during service.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates earlier than April 1, 2015 for service connection have been denied.,The Veteran's claims for initial ratings in excess of 30 percent and 10 percent for Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Hemorrhoids have also been denied.

The Veteran is granted a total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) effective March 7, 2015 due to service-connected disabilities that have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.