Wrist & hand decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded multiple service connection claims for various musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, as well as a claim for an initial disability rating for generalized anxiety disorder. The Veteran is to be scheduled for VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board granted service connection for a left shoulder disorder and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are at least in equipoise with his service-connected right ankle fracture residuals. The claim of entitlement to SMC based on loss of use of the right foot was denied.

The Veteran's right wrist and cervical spine disorders are being remanded for additional examinations to determine their severity and etiology, as well as for the submission of any outstanding medical records.

The Board has remanded the claims of entitlement to a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for right wrist fracture residuals and service connection for sleep apnea due to inadequate examination reports and need for further medical opinions.

The Veteran's right wrist disability was reduced from a 50% rating to a 10% rating effective February 1, 2016. The appeal for increased ratings prior to and after this date is denied.

The Veteran's use of back and wrist braces for service-connected disabilities causes abnormal wear and tear on his clothing, warranting a clothing allowance for the year 2017.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection of various conditions have been dismissed. The claims for TBI, dizziness, HTN, bone spur and wart of the right foot, blurred vision, plantar fasciitis of the left foot, migraine headaches, and residuals of fractured right shoulder were not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has determined that the claims for service connection for back, bilateral hip, bilateral foot, and bilateral hand/wrist disorders need to be remanded due to inconsistencies in previous evaluations and consideration of other factors.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment, leading to a grant of TDIU.

The Board has determined that further examination and opinion are needed to determine the nature and cause of the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities and carpal tunnel syndrome of the bilateral upper extremities, as these conditions may be related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Veteran's right wrist disability has worsened and a new examination is needed to determine the current severity of his service-connected extension contracture, right wrist (major).

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for recurrent microscopic hematuria, urethritis, left knee ACL ligament tear and arthritis, sleep apnea, and acquired psychiatric disability (including major depressive disorder and PTSD) have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Board denied service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome of the left wrist as it is not related to active duty or a service-connected disability.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including neck, right knee, right foot, right wrist, left wrist, right elbow, right hip, and right shoulder conditions. The decision is based on a lack of a VA examination to address the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to incomplete examinations, lack of recent VA treatment records, and need for additional development.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability, but has remanded the claim for neurological disability of the left wrist due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development and lack of an adequate statement of reasons or bases for its determination that the duty to assist had been satisfied.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome of both hands need further examination to determine if they are related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are being remanded for further evaluation to determine if they meet the criteria for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant.

The Veteran's claimed conditions were not incurred or aggravated by service. The Board found no credible evidence linking the current disabilities to his military service.