Wrist & hand decisions — 2020

The Board has decided to remand the case due to lack of substantial compliance with previous directives and the need for a new opinion regarding the Veteran's right wrist disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a right wrist and right hand disability, finding that there was no evidence linking these disabilities to his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for arthritis, hypertension, and knee disabilities due to inadequate opinions in previous examinations.

The Veteran was found unable to follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected left knee and right wrist disabilities throughout the appeal prior to October 29, 2015.

The Veteran's bilateral knee disability is granted service connection. The low back condition and left hand condition are remanded for further examination and opinion. The initial ratings for the left elbow fracture and wrist fracture are also remanded.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain medical records from Dr. Monahan and a legible copy of the December 2018 correspondence from Dr. Drummond, before these claims can be adjudicated.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for eczema with nodular prurigo and residuals of left wrist ganglionectomy was denied as the evidence did not show that the use of systemic therapy met the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's left elbow disability is service connected as secondary to his service-connected Lyme disease. The right carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis residuals are remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's service-connected left wrist, right ankle, left ankle, right knee, and left knee disabilities are being remanded for further evaluation due to the need for a VA examination.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, finding that there is no evidence of CTS during his active service and that it did not manifest within one year after separation. The VA examiner concluded that the Veteran's CTS was less likely due to his military service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for mild degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine. The remaining claims for right carpal tunnel syndrome and right lower extremity radiculopathy are remanded due to inadequate medical opinions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether a service-connected disability caused or contributed to the Veteran's housebound status and dementia, which in turn may have led to his death.

The Veteran's initial rating for diabetes mellitus type II and right wrist strain was denied, as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The issue of TDIU prior to December 9, 2019, is moot due to the grant of service-connected disabilities resulting in a combined evaluation of 100%.

The Board has determined that additional development is required before the remaining claims on appeal are decided. The Veteran's first name and social security number used during active service are different from those he uses currently, and attempts should be made to secure his service treatment records using both names and social security numbers of record.

The Board has remanded the cases due to incomplete information and need for further examination. The Veteran's claims are not decided at this time.

The Veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and left knee disability have been granted service connection. The Veteran is also awarded a 10 percent evaluation for her left knee instability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an equipment purchase of an adjustable king or queen size bed and ergonomic chair through the Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E) program, finding that such purchases were not necessary to achieve his independent living goal.

The Board has remanded the issues of entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected left and right wrist disabilities due to additional development being required.

The Veteran's right wrist osteoarthritis and status post fracture of ulnar styloid have not been found to warrant a higher rating than the current 10 percent assigned.