Wrist & hand decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for various service-connected conditions were denied. The lumbar sprain and cervical spine degenerative arthritis prior to August 24, 2011 are rated at 20 percent each, but not higher. Other conditions have been denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, warranting the grant of TDIU.

The Veteran was granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities prior to September 19, 2017.

The Veteran's asthma disability is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,For his bilateral elbow, wrist, knee, and ankle disabilities, additional evidence is needed to determine if they are related to service.

The Veteran's claims for left ankle disorder and bilateral CTS have been reopened, but no service connection has been established. The gastrointestinal disorder, headache disorder, and right foot disorder claims are denied. The claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for the right ankle sprain is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for migraines has been denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or a link to service.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for right wrist disability has been remanded due to the lack of a current diagnosis and insufficient medical records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions.,The Veteran's shin splints claim is being remanded as it may be related to his already service-connected bilateral pes planus, and a new examination is needed.,The Veteran's left wrist disorder claim is being remanded for further evaluation.,The Veteran's psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) claim is being remanded due to the need for an in-service stressor verification and a VA psychiatric examination.,The Veteran's prostate disorder claim is being remanded as it may be related to exposure to Agent Orange or other chemicals, and a VA examination is needed.,The Veteran's skin disorder claim is being remanded as it may be related to exposure to Agent Orange or other chemicals, and a VA examination is needed.,The Veteran's kidney disorder claim is being remanded due to the need for verification of an in-service kidney condition or exposure to a chemical or jet fuel associated with assisting with recovery efforts in a plane crash at Eglin Air Force Base.

The Veteran's migraine headaches and lumbosacral strain are found to be related to his active service.,The Veteran's bilateral eye condition, right elbow condition, right shoulder condition, right wrist condition, left wrist condition, skin condition, left elbow condition, left shoulder condition, and left ankle condition are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's left upper extremity disorder, including radiculopathy and carpal tunnel syndrome. The examiner is asked to address whether these conditions are related to active service or otherwise caused by his service-connected cervical spine strain.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral knee disability and right wrist CTS, finding that the evidence did not support a link between these conditions and service.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for left wrist and right shoulder joint conditions due to his failure to report for scheduled VA examinations. The Veteran will be given another opportunity to attend these exams, or if he fails to do so without good cause, his claim may be rated based on the evidence of record.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for left shoulder, right wrist, left wrist, right knee, and left knee disabilities due to missing service treatment records and lack of recent medical evidence. The Veteran is advised to provide authorization for VA to obtain private treatment records and undergo a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for right wrist and ankle disorders, as well as an acquired psychiatric disorder. The Veteran's claims are denied due to lack of evidence linking his current conditions to service.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination, as they do not meet the requirements of Correia v. McDonald (2016).

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability has been reopened, but the appeal is remanded due to insufficient evidence.,The Veteran's right wrist sprain remains rated at 10 percent and is being remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for low back disability, hemorrhoids, and right wrist disability due to inadequate medical opinions in previous VA examinations. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation for the period prior to July 22, 2011.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 40 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,The Veteran's cervical spondylosis is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds no basis to grant a higher rating.,The Veteran's left upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome and cervical radiculopathy are currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board does not find any basis for an increased rating.,The Veteran's right upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome is currently rated at 60 percent, and the Board finds no basis to grant a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left wrist condition is granted, and the right foot condition issue is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right and left knees, as well as his wrist tendonitis, have been denied. The case is remanded due to the need for further development.