Wrist & hand decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates were denied. The Board found no evidence of an increase in disability within one year prior to the October 20, 2008 claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right wrist disability, finding that his preexisting condition did not increase in severity during military service and was more likely aggravated by post-service activities.

The Veteran's rheumatoid arthritis is not properly rated, and the Board finds that remand is warranted to obtain updated VA treatment records and schedule an examination to assess the current severity of the condition.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, tinnitus, and hypertension. The claims are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for depression, fatigue and lethargy is remanded due to the need for a comprehensive nerve evaluation.,The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings of radiculopathy in both upper and lower extremities are also remanded as current evidence does not provide a clear picture of their severity.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for lumbar spine disorder, left wrist disorders, cervical spine disorder, right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy due to insufficient development of the record. The issues are being returned for further examination and medical opinions.

The Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for right eye vision loss was denied as new and material evidence has not been received.,Service connection for carpel tunnel syndrome of the left wrist is granted, with a rating in excess of 30 percent.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance is remanded due to incomplete medical records and the need for a physical examination.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, flat feet with inflammation, right wrist condition, carpal tunnel syndrome, and sleep apnea due to insufficient evidence on record.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of right ring finger surgery, including ulnar impairment and right wrist strain, were found to not warrant a higher initial disability rating from June 12, 1999 to December 4, 2002.

The Board has denied all service connection claims, finding no evidence of a nexus between the claimed conditions and active service.

The Veteran's hypertension was denied as it did not manifest within a year of service or is otherwise attributable to the Veteran’s service. The right wrist, left wrist, right hand, left hand, right elbow, and left elbow conditions were remanded due to secondary service connection theory. The left knee condition was also remanded for secondary service connection.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits was denied as there is no evidence of an earlier effective date prior to July 10, 2015. The Board found that the Veteran did not file his TDIU claim until December 2015, which is within one year of receiving the VA form 21-8940 application for TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating of left wrist strain and service connection for bilateral foot disability, including residuals of frost bite, are remanded due to the need for additional development. The case will be readjudicated after all necessary steps have been taken.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is denied as the evidence does not show that his service-connected disabilities alone prevent him from securing and maintaining gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to incomplete service treatment records and outstanding VA treatment records. The Veteran is presumed to have Gulf War exposure.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted in part. Service connection has been established for left shoulder condition, cervical spine condition (claimed as cervical spondylosis and stenosis), lumbar spinal stenosis, bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, peripheral vestibular disorder, dizziness, obstructive sleep apnea, cardiovascular disease, headache condition, left upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome, right upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome, and service connection has been reopened for alcoholism and drug abuse. Other claims have been denied.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and a new medical opinion to determine if there is a link between the Veteran's current conditions and his service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of entitlement to increased ratings for left wrist strain, right wrist strain, and thoracolumbar strain due to inadequate examination findings.

The Veteran's cervical spine disorder, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, and depression have been granted service connection.,However, the Veteran's claim for a psychiatric disorder (depression) is remanded due to incomplete medical records.