Wrist & hand decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to incomplete medical records from Dr. M-Q and Dr. G.S., which are necessary to determine the etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected right wrist scar has been dismissed as the Veteran did not file a timely substantive appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to a failure to provide adequate pre-decisional duty to assist. The issues include gastroesophageal reflux disease, thoracolumbar spine disability, left shoulder disability, left wrist disability (carpal tunnel syndrome), left knee disability, right knee disability, and right elbow disability.

The Veteran's left wrist fracture with status post-operative residuals and degenerative arthritis is currently rated at 20 percent, while his left wrist paresis associated with the same condition is rated at 20 percent. The Veteran's left shoulder labral tear, including superior labral anterior-posterior lesion and arthritis, is rated at 30 percent. All three conditions are denied for higher ratings.

The Veteran's left wrist disability has been rated at 20 percent since June 1, 2016. The Board denied all other claims for increased ratings.

The Veteran withdrew her appeals for various service-connected disabilities, including eczematoid dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis, right carpal tunnel syndrome, left carpal tunnel syndrome, bilateral plantar fasciitis, right patellofemoral pain syndrome with shin splints and anterior compartment syndrome, left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome with shin splints and anterior compartment syndrome, left hip disability, diabetes mellitus type II, hypogonadism, esophageal stricture with esophageal polyp and Schatzki's ring, and ventral hernia status post-surgery with rectus diastasis.

For the period prior to December 4, 2019, a rating in excess of 10 percent for left-hand carpal tunnel syndrome is denied.,From December 4, 2019, a rating in excess of 20 percent for left-hand carpal tunnel syndrome is denied.

The Veteran's right CTS is granted a 30 percent rating from June 4, 2012 to September 1, 2015.

The Veteran's right wrist healed scaphoid fracture status post ORIF and bone graft with arthritis is currently rated at 10 percent, the maximum schedular rating available for limitation of motion. The evidence does not show ankylosis or involvement of two or more major joints warranting a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's right wrist carpal tunnel syndrome is granted a 20 percent disability rating, effective from the date of the decision.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 40 percent for rheumatoid arthritis prior to May 1, 2014, finding that the Veteran's condition was not active during this period and did not warrant a higher rating based on his knee conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and address issues, requiring a new VA examination and proper notification.

The appeal for service connection of a psychiatric disorder is dismissed. The remaining issues related to left knee, right knee, left wrist, right wrist, lumbar spine, left foot, and right foot disorders are remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine condition, left wrist disorder, and lumbar spine disability due to lack of new and relevant evidence.

The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is granted service connection. The Veteran's type two diabetes mellitus, bilateral open angle glaucoma, and tinnitus are not granted increased ratings. The Veteran's sinusitis, tonsillectomy residuals, right wrist Dequervain's syndrome, right ring finger fracture, erectile dysfunction, and right epididymitis status post epididymectomy do not warrant increased ratings. A TDIU is granted from October 1, 2007 to February 28, 2013, and from January 22, 2018 on.

Service connection is granted for a right shoulder disability.,Service connection is denied for bilateral hand, wrists, hip, knee, elbow, ankle, and foot disabilities.,Service connection is denied for lumbar spine and cervical spine disabilities.

Service connection for headaches and bilateral upper extremity paresthesia has been granted.,The claim for diffuse musculoskeletal pain is being remanded.

The Veteran's rating for lentigo simplex and actinic keratosis, right cheek was improperly reduced from 30% to 10%. The Veteran’s verucca vulgaris on the right wrist is not compensable. Service connection for depressive disorder and headaches are denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and low back disability due to inadequate VA medical opinions. The Veteran is seeking service connection for these conditions, with his claim being remanded under a direct basis.

The Veteran's bilateral foot disorder, major depressive disorder, right wrist disorder, and lichen planus are granted service connection. The remaining issues of service connection for a bilateral shoulder disorder, neck disorder, low back disorder, and bilateral knee disorder are remanded due to the passage of time since the last VA examination.