Wrist & hand decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate VA examinations and consideration of Gulf War criteria. The specific issues are related to bilateral shoulder, wrist and hand, low back, knee, ankle and foot disorders as well as tinnitus.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to inadequate examination reports, specifically regarding his right wrist and shoulder disabilities. The claims will be returned for further evaluation.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee injury, right carpal tunnel syndrome, and left carpal tunnel syndrome due to incomplete records from his National Guard service.

The Veteran's right total knee replacement is rated at 60 percent since August 1, 2020. The Board also granted eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome are found to be at least as likely related to his active duty service, including exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right hand numbness, right wrist ganglion cyst, and right wrist scapholunate dissociation as secondary to his service-connected fracture of the third, fourth, and fifth fingers. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to his in-service injury.

The Board has determined that further remand is necessary for the claims of service connection for a left wrist condition and increased rating for right wrist status post-ganglion cyst removal, as well as the TDIU claim. The Veteran's current disability ratings will be reconsidered after additional development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a disability of the left wrist and fingers, including rheumatoid arthritis and reflex sympathetic dystrophy, is being remanded due to the need for an SSOC.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy, bilateral foot drop, and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to his military service or exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right carpal tunnel syndrome is separate and distinct from her already service-connected right upper extremity radiculopathy, which developed as a result of active service. The appeal for service connection for right carpal tunnel syndrome is granted.

The Veteran's application to reopen a claim of service connection for left ear hearing loss was granted. Service connection is also granted.,Service connection is granted for right wrist tendonitis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), but these claims are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The appeal for service connection for a neck disorder is dismissed.,Service connection has been granted for bronchitis and sinusitis.,Other claims have been denied or are pending, including those related to the Veteran's arms and wrists.

The Veteran's right wrist tendonitis has been rated at 10 percent, the maximum available under Diagnostic Code 5215. The Board found that a higher rating is not warranted as there was no evidence of ankylosis or other factors warranting a higher evaluation.

The Board has remanded the claims for urinary disability, skin disability, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, and generalized joint pain (bilateral elbow, wrist, and ankle pain) due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their relationship to service or service-connected disabilities. The Veteran's reports of symptoms are being considered.

The Board has determined that an effective date earlier than June 10, 2015, for the grant of service connection for status post fractured ribs and right wrist tendonitis is denied.

The Board denied service connection for various disabilities, including ankle, elbow, foot, hip, knee, shoulder, wrist, neck, back, GERD, hypertension, and eye conditions. The evidence did not show any in-service injury or incident that could be linked to these conditions.,There is no current evidence of a diagnosed disability related to the claimed ankle, elbow, foot, hip, knee, shoulder, wrist, neck, back, GERD, hypertension, or eye disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for peripheral neuropathy, essential tremor syndrome/bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, hypertension, prostate disorder, anal disorder, and disorder manifested by poor blood circulation due to his exposure to herbicides. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings for left wrist disability and scar was denied as the evidence did not show ankylosis or other functional loss that would warrant a higher rating. The current 10% ratings are considered appropriate based on limitation of motion.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of consideration of the Veteran's lay statements regarding his continuous right wrist symptoms since service. The claim will be reconsidered with an updated examination and opinion.