Wrist & hand decisions — 2020

The Board denied increased ratings for acne vulgaris, tendonitis of the right wrist, and allergic rhinitis as there was no evidence to support a higher rating based on current symptoms or medical findings.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for various foot and knee conditions, bunions, flatfeet, and carpal tunnel syndrome due to additional evidence received after the February 2018 SOC.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a headache disability, toenail disability (left great toe), and shoulder disabilities (left and right) have been granted. The claim for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no current evidence of a hearing loss disability. The claim for left ankle disability has been remanded due to inadequate examination reports. The claims for sinusitis and right wrist ganglion cyst removal are also remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The issues include low back, right wrist, left ankle conditions, and respiratory conditions.

The Veteran's hypopigmented scar, right wrist/hand, was found to not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's right and left knee disabilities, as well as his right wrist disability, are being remanded for additional development due to the possibility of increased severity since the last VA examinations.

The Veteran's left wrist fusion is rated at 50% effective from August 1, 2016. His middle finger right hand injury does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating. Service connection was denied for arthritis of multiple joints, TBI, and left knee disorder other than service-connected left knee arthritis.

The Board denied service connection for right shoulder, left shoulder, right hip, and left hip disabilities. The claims for left wrist and left foot disabilities are remanded.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of cervical radiculopathy, left wrist carpal tunnel syndrome, and headache disorder. The claims are being remanded to allow for further examination and consideration.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his right wrist osteoarthritis, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on limitation of motion or arthritis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for ED and carpal tunnel syndrome of the right hand due to insufficient medical opinions addressing causation or aggravation by service-connected PTSD.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an increased evaluation for his acquired psychiatric condition, service connection for a right wrist condition, respiratory disorder, allergies, and gastrointestinal disorder. The Veteran will need to undergo VA examinations to determine the current severity of his psychiatric disability, nature and etiology of his right wrist condition, respiratory and sinus conditions, and whether his ulcerative proctitis is related to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board found that discontinuance of VR&E services based on a negative feasibility determination was proper due to the Veteran's significant physical health issues and extensive limitations in his activities. The appeal is denied.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeal for prostate cancer residuals. The claims for hypertension, gastrointestinal disability (including peptic ulcers), sleep apnea, skin disability (to include chloracne), Dupuytren’s contracture, Peyronie's disease, bilateral plantar fasciitis, and cervical carpal tunnel syndrome have been denied as not related to service.

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected chronic sprain of the right wrist was denied. The Board found that the condition did not meet criteria for an increased rating due to lack of ankylosis.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a back condition has been reopened and granted.,An initial compensable rating for allergic rhinitis is denied.,Service connection for headaches and CTS are both granted.,The issue of service connection for a back condition remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to unclear information about the Veteran's employment history and the impact of his carpal tunnel syndrome on his ability to work. The RO needs to clarify his employment from 1999 to 2016 and obtain an addendum opinion from a VA examiner regarding the functional limitations caused by his carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Veteran's bladder cancer and left arm, forearm, and wrist shell fragment wounds are remanded for further development to determine the etiology of his conditions and their severity.

The Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date, service connection for skin disorder and PTSD, as well as service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder were denied. The claim for a right wrist disability was granted with a 10% rating effective August 17, 2012.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD is granted, and the claims for left wrist, forearm, and hand disorders are dismissed. The effective dates for service connection of right foot disorder, tinnitus, and right forearm disorder are also dismissed. Service connection for hearing loss, lumbar spine disorder, and TDIU is remanded.