Wrist & hand decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, sleep apnea, and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome were denied. The Board found that there was no in-service injury or event to link these conditions to service.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to July 13, 2013, for service connection of various conditions have been denied as a matter of law due to the preclusion of VA compensation while on active duty. The Board also remanded several issues related to chest pain and other disabilities.

The Veteran's service connection claims for chronic joint pain, bilateral ankle disabilities, elbow medial epicondylitis, shoulder degenerative arthritis, and wrist de Quervain's syndrome have all been denied. The Board found that the Veteran does not have a qualifying chronic disability manifested by joint pain due to military service in Southwest Asia as his poly-joint pain has been attributed to diagnosed disabilities.,The Veteran was unable to establish current diagnoses for bilateral ankle disabilities, elbow medial epicondylitis, and wrist de Quervain's syndrome. The Board found that the Veteran did not have a current disability of either ankle or wrists.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for left and right knee disabilities, left and right carpal tunnel syndromes, and a claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for hepatitis C at a VA Medical Center due to incomplete records and the need for new examinations.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient rationale provided in the previous rating decision and duty-to-assist errors. The issues of service connection for various orthopedic injuries and malaria are being remanded for further development.

The Board denied service connection for left and right ankle conditions, but granted service connection for right carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Board has found that the Veteran's period of service from July 19, 1974 to July 18, 1977 is honorable. The appeal for service connection during this period is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating of PTSD, left wrist disability, vision disability, and bilateral hearing loss due to incomplete medical opinions and lack of recent examinations.

The Veteran's left knee DJD resulted in a 10 percent rating, with no higher ratings granted. A separate 10 percent rating was granted for slight instability of the left knee from December 15, 2016.,For his right knee meniscus tear with DJD, he received a 10 percent rating, and a separate 10 percent rating for slight instability of the right knee from December 15, 2016. Neither condition warranted higher ratings.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection of carpal tunnel syndrome, thyroid condition, and carotid artery stenosis must be remanded due to the need for further development regarding herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome was granted service connection and rated initially at 10% before March 5, 2014. From March 5, 2014, the rating was increased to 30% for the right upper extremity and 20% for the left upper extremity. The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) is remanded.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for tinnitus, increased rating for right wrist strain, and initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional medical records and a new opinion regarding the Veteran's left wrist disability.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for his left wrist disability was denied. The Veteran is currently rated at 10 percent for the entire period on appeal, which includes a temporary total convalescent rating from February 16, 2016 to June 30, 2016. He is also receiving a separate 10 percent rating for his left wrist scar.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and evaluations. The right knee, high cholesterol, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, low back disability, circulatory system disability (other than hypertension), and psychiatric disability (other than delusional disorder) issues remain under review.

The appeals for service connection and increased ratings for hearing loss, left ankle sprain residuals, bilateral neurologic disability (including carpal tunnel syndrome), and an acquired psychiatric disorder are dismissed. The case is remanded for additional examinations to determine the relationship between current disabilities and service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete verification of her periods of active duty and inactive duty training. The claims will be further adjudicated after verifying her service history.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right hand/wrist, low back, and left ankle conditions due to a fall from a ladder in-service. Additional medical opinions are needed regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's petition to reopen previously denied claims for left wrist condition, bilateral ankle tendinitis, and low back condition were granted. The petitions for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were denied.

The Board has determined that additional examinations are needed to properly assess the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, specifically his back and carpal tunnel syndrome. The claims for increased ratings will be remanded.