Wrist & hand decisions — 2019

The Veteran's uncontrolled bowel movements, trouble feeding himself, and need for assistance maintaining his own basic hygiene show that he is factually in need of regular aid and attendance of at least one other person. Therefore, the claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance has been granted.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for right knee and right wrist disabilities due to insufficient reasoning in the previous VA examination.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is granted as service connected due to herbicide exposure. His bilateral polyneuropathy and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome are also granted as secondary to his service-connected DMII.

The Board has denied service connection for a disorder of the bilateral feet. The claims for arthritis of the hands/fingers and wrists have been remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional examinations to determine the severity of the Veteran's service-connected right wrist scapholunate ligament tear, degenerative joint disease of the sacroiliac joints with lumbar osteoporosis, and right hip degenerative joint disease.

Service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome of the right hand is granted.,Service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine is denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left wrist and hemorrhoid disabilities were both denied by the Board. The left wrist disability was evaluated at 10 percent, while the hemorrhoid disability remained non-compensable.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development to determine if pseudogout or a form of systemic arthritis initially manifested during service and whether it is related to the Veteran's service-connected left knee disability.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and ratings related to various disabilities have been dismissed. The Board has also remanded the claim of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The reductions in ratings for degenerative arthritis of the bilateral wrists and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity were improper due to inadequate examinations. The Veteran's conditions have not improved, warranting restoration of previous ratings.

The Board has found that the Veteran's period of service from November 16, 2004 to September 1, 2009 is honorable. The Veteran’s claims for service connection are now remanded to determine if these conditions are related to his honorable service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records and a comprehensive opinion regarding the etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition, acquired psychiatric disorder (depression), and sleep apnea is remanded. The Veteran also has an ongoing TDIU appeal.,Service connection was granted for chronic prostatitis with erectile dysfunction and urinary frequency effective May 28, 2010. Service connection for depression and sleep apnea are pending.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prior to July 21, 2015 rendered her unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's psychiatric condition, diagnosed as unspecified depressive disorder, is granted. The Board also remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims and effective dates for increased ratings.

The Board has denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, hepatitis C, carpal tunnel syndrome of the right hand, and PTSD. The case is remanded to obtain a VA examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or being permanently housebound, finding that her service-connected disabilities do not result in the need for such assistance.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical radiculopathy and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome as they are inextricably intertwined with his claim for a bilateral foot disability. The underlying issue of service connection for the bilateral foot disability is pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, hypertension, and other conditions have been denied. The Board has found that the evidence does not support a finding of in-service disease or injury related to these conditions.,The Veteran was diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome of the left wrist and right wrist after discharge from service, but no in-service complaints or diagnoses were noted.

The Board denied service connection for right wrist, right hand, left elbow, right elbow, left knee, and right knee disorders as there is no evidence of current disabilities or in-service incurrence.