Wrist & hand decisions — 2019

The appeal as to the claims of entitlement to initial compensable evaluations for service-connected bilateral dry eye disorder, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), hiatal hernia with gastrointestinal reflux disorder (GERD), erectile dysfunction (ED), right carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), and left carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) has been dismissed.,The appeal as to the claim of entitlement to service connection for hypertension is remanded.

The Veteran's left wrist disability is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition and any functional loss due to flare-ups.

The Veteran's left and right wrist symptoms are attributed to his service-connected fibromyalgia. The Board finds that the weight of evidence is against the Veteran’s claim for a separate diagnosis of a left and right wrist disorder other than fibromyalgia.

The Board has reopened the claim of entitlement to service connection for a bilateral knee disability, but denied the individual claims for carpal tunnel syndrome and back condition.

The Veteran's service-connected post-operative residuals of right and left carpal tunnel syndrome, upper airway resistance syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and post-traumatic headaches with photosensitivity are all granted. The Veteran is also awarded a non-compensable rating for his GERD.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD, mood disorder, anxiety disorder, and chronic depression, are granted. Service connection is denied for OCD, dissociative identity disorder, bipolar disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and obstructive sleep apnea.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for his right wrist condition on an extraschedular basis, finding that the current rating criteria adequately describe his condition and there is no evidence of marked interference with employment or frequent periods of hospitalization.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the claims for service connection for a right knee disability, right shoulder disability, and cervical spine disability. The claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been reopened and is now considered on the merits. The Board found that new evidence supports reopening the claim, but denied service connection due to lack of a verified stressor.,Service connection was denied for left wrist sprain as there was no evidence linking it to service.

The Veteran's appeals for higher initial ratings for migraine headaches, left carpal tunnel syndrome, and right carpal tunnel syndrome have been dismissed as he requested to withdraw his appeal.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for arthritis of the right wrist, finding that there was no evidence linking his current condition to his military service or a service-connected injury. The Board concluded that the Veteran's arthritis is more likely due to natural aging processes rather than any in-service event.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection due to new evidence received since his last VA examination.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to assess the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and right shoulder disability, as well as to verify his service in the Air National Guard. The issues of entitlement to service connection for a right shoulder disability and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome are also remanded.

The Veteran's claim for left upper extremity radiculopathy was denied as he does not have a current diagnosis of this condition.,A 10 percent disability rating is granted for bilateral plantar fasciitis, with pain on manipulation and use of the feet.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral wrist disability, left hip disability, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) should be remanded due to incomplete records and the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have been rated at 90 percent disabling since September 23, 2012. The Board has granted restoration of disability ratings for migraines, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, as well as TDIU from September 23, 2012 to September 22, 2013.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and TDIU due to new evidence submitted at his hearing, as well as worsening of symptoms since his last VA examinations. The Veteran is also asked to provide authorization for VA to obtain private medical records from a pain management physician.

The Veteran's claims for asthma or other lung disorder, diabetes mellitus, heart condition, bilateral arm neuropathy, bilateral shoulder, left elbow, cervical spine, and left hip conditions have been denied as new and material evidence has not been received to reopen these claims.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart condition was denied due to lack of evidence showing the condition was caused or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, thus meeting the criteria for TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to maintain substantially gainful employment, and the TDIU claim is granted. The left elbow disability issue remains pending due to a lack of VA examination.