Wrist & hand decisions — 2019

The Veteran's appeal for restoration of a 10 percent rating for left knee chondromalacia and right knee chondromalacia from September 1, 2012 is denied. A 20 percent rating for left carpal tunnel syndrome is granted.

The claim for a rating greater than 40 percent for residuals of traumatic brain injury has been dismissed. The claims for service connection and compensation for bilateral hearing loss, muscle damage of the abdomen (stomach pain, stomach problems), cervical spine DDD, osteochondritis dissecans of the left foot, and dry-eye syndrome have been addressed.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss. Right ear hearing loss and right wrist CTS are remanded due to conflicting evidence regarding the severity of the Veteran's hearing impairment, and his bilateral CTS is also remanded as there is insufficient etiological opinion.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and service connection was denied. The decision also noted that the Veteran had new and material evidence to reopen her claims of service connection for right hand tendonitis and left hand tendonitis.

The Veteran's claim for GERD with hiatal hernia, dermatitis, and bilateral hand or wrist disorder (claimed as bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome) has been reopened. The claims are now remanded to the AOJ for further development.,GERD with hiatal hernia, dermatitis, and bilateral hand or wrist disorder (claimed as bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome) have all been reopened due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left wrist condition, right wrist condition, penis condition, sinus condition, and migraine condition have been denied. The claim for service connection for sinus condition has been reopened, but the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder remains unresolved.

The Veteran's left wrist disability was reduced from 20 percent to 10 percent effective August 8, 2016. The reduction is granted as the condition does not manifest unfavorable ankylosis.

The Board has remanded four issues: evaluations for wrist, foot, and skin disabilities; and a TDIU claim. The reasons include the need to obtain additional medical records and ensure that all relevant information is considered in evaluating these claims.

The Veteran's knee braces, wrist splints, and shoe inserts do not qualify for an annual clothing allowance as they are considered 'softgood orthotic[s]' that do not tend to wear or tear clothing.

Service connection is granted for Degenerative Disc Disease and Herniated Disc of the Lumbar Spine.,Service connection is denied for Arthritis of the Left Wrist.

The Board has denied service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and remanded the issues of service connection for a left wrist disorder and a bilateral hand disorder. The Veteran's current diagnoses have not been established, and further examination is needed to determine if any current conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status is remanded due to a lack of examination focusing solely on her service-connected disabilities. She needs an opportunity to be examined by a VA clinician.

The Board has granted service connection for a right knee disability, including as due to a service-connected left knee disability; right wrist carpal tunnel syndrome; and an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD (depression).

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a left wrist and/or hand disorder, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including anxiety, memory loss, bipolar disorder, depression, attention deficit disorder), and hypertension. The Veteran's complete service treatment records must be obtained to determine if he had any active duty or training service that could affect his claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, lumbar spine and knee degenerative joint disease, tendon repair of the right wrist, hypertension, headaches, and radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities, have prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted TDIU benefits.