Wrist & hand decisions — 2020

The Board denied service connection for various hip, shoulder, arm, and leg conditions due to a lack of evidence of current musculoskeletal disabilities separate from the Veteran's already service-connected radiculopathy/neuropathy.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to pending issues regarding service connection for various hand and wrist conditions. The Veteran's claims are currently under review.

The Veteran's IBS, RUE CTS, lumbar spine disability, right and left ankle disabilities, right knee disability, left knee disability, left foot disability, right wrist disability, left wrist disability, right shoulder disability, left shoulder disability, right elbow disability, and disability affecting the right hand/fingers are all granted as service-connected. The Veteran's sleep disorder is also granted as service-connected.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient opinions regarding the onset and relationship of current right wrist disability and joint pain and weakness to service. The Veteran's service in Southwest Asia is acknowledged, but further medical opinion is needed.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's current right wrist disabilities are related to his service, particularly the MVA in November 1991. The case will be reviewed with an addendum opinion from a clinician.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, and he is not entitled to compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for heart disease due to VA treatment.

The Board denied an initial compensable disability rating for the Veteran's service-connected right wrist scar, finding that there was no evidence of painful or unstable scarring. The Veteran's pain and limitation of motion were attributed to other conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for chest scars prior to October 25, 2018, and in excess of 10 percent thereafter is dismissed.,New and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim of residuals of a right arm fracture. The petition to reopen is denied.,Service connection for PTSD is granted.,Service connection for thoracolumbar spine disability is granted.,Service connection for a right wrist disability is denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for SMC based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status, as well as increased compensation by reason of his spouse needing aid and attendance. The case is remanded for further development regarding an earlier effective date for special monthly pension.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The issues are related to arthritis and chronic body pain in various joints, but the appeal is not about service connection via a presumption like PACT Act or Agent Orange.

The Board denied higher initial disability ratings for various conditions, including right knee chondromalacia patella, right shoulder disorder, right wrist disorder, left ankle disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, bladder cancer, ulcerative colitis, Bell's palsy, stroke residuals, hair loss, and skin disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity, carpal tunnel syndrome of the right upper extremity, and right wrist disability, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board denied service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome, cervical dysplasia, breast reduction surgery and its residuals, low back condition, and right shoulder condition.,Service connection was not granted for any of the claimed conditions.

The Veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome of the right wrist is granted as service-connected.,The Veteran's stomach disorder, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), left elbow disorder, right elbow disorder, left shoulder disorder, and right shoulder disorder are remanded for further development.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee disability, back disability, and right wrist disability due to a lack of credible evidence showing an in-service injury or disease related to these conditions.

The Board denied service connection for a right wrist disability, finding that the Veteran's pre-existing condition clearly and unmistakably existed before service and was not aggravated by service.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether her current right shoulder and arm conditions are caused or aggravated by her service-connected right ankle disability. The case will be returned for further examination and opinion.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations and remand directives were not complied with, necessitating another examination for each of the service connection claims.,The Veteran's right knee disability is being examined to determine if it is related to his in-service fall and motor vehicle accident. The examiner will also consider the Veteran’s lay statements regarding these events.

The Board has remanded the claims for a right hand disability and a right wrist disability due to insufficient examination opinions addressing potential service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected status post carpal tunnel release with median nerve neuropathy, left wrist was rated at 20 percent prior to May 30, 2018 and increased to 40 percent thereafter. The decision is granted for the period after May 30, 2018.