Wrist & hand decisions — 2020

The Board denied service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome and degenerative changes of the hands in both the right and left upper extremities due to a lack of evidence showing current disabilities or disease during or within one year after service.

The Veteran's initial rating for his service-connected right wrist strain, with postoperative residuals of a fracture of the distal radius, is being remanded due to inadequate examination findings and lack of substantial compliance with previous Board directives.

The Board denied service connection for a nervous disorder, tinnitus, right wrist degenerative arthritis, and obstructive sleep apnea due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing an examination to address the issues of compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for left wrist status post-surgery and service connection for migraine headaches.

The Veteran's headaches are rated at 30 percent prior to January 25, 2014 and 50 percent thereafter. Effective June 10, 2010, the Veteran is granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

An initial rating of 70 percent for the right upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome, effective January 8, 2020, is granted.,A rating of 60 percent for the left upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome, effective January 8, 2020, is granted.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals on all issues related to service connection and increased ratings, as the appellant requested withdrawal of his appeal.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right foot, bilateral wrist, bilateral ankle, and bilateral hand disabilities due to outstanding VA treatment records and a need for additional development.

The Veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome of the left wrist is currently rated at 30 percent, but a higher rating is not warranted.,Prior to August 13, 2012, his degenerative arthritis of the left knee with a Baker's cyst was rated at 10 percent. A higher rating is not warranted for this condition either.,His residuals of total left knee arthroplasty are currently rated at 30 percent since October 1, 2013.

The Board has remanded the cases for further examination and rating consideration due to unclear range of motion testing results and need for clarification on functional impairment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and hypertension, finding that these conditions did not manifest during his period of active duty training (ACDUTRA) in Gulfport, Mississippi. The Board also remanded the issue of service connection for a respiratory disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's cervical spine disability, bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy (bilateral shoulder and elbow conditions), bilateral wrist arthritis, and bilateral knee arthritis. The claims for right foot gout and right foot condition (to include pes planus and plantar fasciitis) have been remanded.

The Board has dismissed all claims due to the Veteran's death. The appeals are not considered for merits as they have become moot.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for arthritis of the right wrist due to inadequate examination records and failure to notify the Veteran of scheduled VA examinations.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed disabilities, including back disability, bilateral leg disabilities, right foot and ankle disabilities, right elbow and wrist disabilities, left rib fracture, neck disability, scalp laceration, and migraine headaches. The claims are being remanded for these purposes.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an addendum VA medical opinion regarding the Veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and its relationship to his active service, specifically his MOS as an Automated Logistics Specialist and Gulf War exposures.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for a low back disability due to incomplete development.,No current diagnosis of a left wrist condition was found during the examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date of July 6, 2011, for service connection of rheumatoid arthritis in his bilateral wrist, hand, ankle, elbow, and shoulder. The decision is based on the fact that the claim was not filed until July 6, 2011.

The Board has dismissed all issues on appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of all claims.

The Veteran's hiatal hernia with reflux and esophagitis is currently rated at 30 percent, effective January 16, 2003. The claim for a higher rating has been denied as the symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7346.,The Veteran's right wrist disability is currently rated at 30 percent, effective January 16, 2003. The claim for a higher rating has been denied as there is no evidence of ankylosis or other severe impairment that would warrant a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5214.,The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability is currently rated at 10 percent, effective January 16, 2003. The claim for a higher rating has been denied as the evidence does not show limitation of motion that would warrant a higher rating under Diagnostic Codes 5235-5243.