Wrist & hand decisions — 2020

The Veteran's back disability and right wrist disability are being remanded for further evaluation due to the need to determine if there are neurological complications associated with these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right arm disability and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to lack of evidence linking current disabilities to service.

The Board denied service connection for left hip rheumatoid arthritis, right hip rheumatoid arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis of the bilateral hands, wrist, and feet as there was no evidence of in-service injury or disease related to these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral hand condition, back condition, neck condition, left arm condition, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, and headaches have been denied. The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence is against finding a direct or secondary relationship between these conditions and service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left wrist condition is remanded due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran needs to undergo another VA examination to determine if she currently has any diagnosed conditions and whether they are related to her military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right wrist disability, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the previously denied claim. The Veteran's statements and Dr. C.P.'s opinion in support of his claim were found to be inherently or patently false.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for thoracic kyphosis, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, bilateral foot swelling, and left wrist disability.,There was no new evidence presented to reopen the claim for thoracic kyphosis.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination to determine if the veteran's left wrist, right shoulder, and obstructive sleep apnea disabilities are related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a back disability, bilateral foot or ankle disabilities (excluding arthritis), and bilateral wrist disability due to incomplete records and need for further examination. The claim of entitlement to service connection for sleep apnea is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for left shoulder and left wrist injuries, finding that VA's duty to assist has been triggered due to the need for treatment records and a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus has been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal. The remaining issues have been remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has granted a separate 20 percent rating for left knee disability due to locking. Other claims are remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cause of death was due to his service-connected conditions, specifically his prescribed high-dose opioid pain medications and benzodiazepine.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical spine disability and right hand carpal tunnel syndrome due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology. The Veteran contends that his duties as an administrative specialist contributed to these conditions.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and remanded the issue of a rating in excess of 10 percent for left wrist strain.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of left wrist triangular fibrocartilage complex injury, finding that it was not incurred or aggravated by his active duty service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and a higher rating for acquired bilateral pes cavus were denied. The Board found no evidence linking the current conditions to service, with the exception of the pes cavus which was linked to post-service work history.

The Board has remanded several issues related to service connection, including for vasectomy residuals, lumbar spine disability, right elbow disability, left upper arm disability, bilateral CTS of the hands, and residuals of a vasectomy. The Veteran's claims are being returned for further development.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted at a 100% rating, his right wrist disability and carpal tunnel syndrome are each granted initial ratings of 50%, and he is granted a TDIU. The back disability issue has been remanded.

The Veteran's application for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile or other conveyance and/or adaptive equipment was denied because his service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for eligibility under VA regulations.