Wrist & hand decisions — 2020

The Veteran's hypertension was not found to warrant a compensable rating as the evidence did not show diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or greater.,Service connection for diabetes mellitus was denied due to lack of in-service onset and no evidence that it manifested within one year post-separation from service.,Peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities was found secondary to diabetes mellitus, which is not service-connected. The Veteran's back condition, bilateral knee condition, bilateral hip condition, and bilateral foot condition were also denied as they are not service-connected.,Service connection for a right wrist condition was denied.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for major depressive disorder was denied as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a disability rating of 100 percent.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for surgical scars of the back was also denied, as there were no disabling effects not considered in ratings provided under other Diagnostic Codes.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's bilateral hand disability, including treatment records and an examination report. The Veteran is requested to provide authorization for VA to obtain his private treatment records from Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare.

The Board has found that the remand directives have been substantially complied with. The Veteran's right wrist disability claim is being remanded for further development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from a VA examiner to address the nature and severity of his disability, particularly regarding 'instability'. TDIU due to service-connected disabilities is also being remanded.

The Veteran's IBS is granted a 30 percent rating.,Service connection for COPD and sleep disability are remanded due to insufficient evidence.,Joint pain of ankles, knees, lower legs, shoulders, arms, and wrists are remanded due to insufficient evidence.,GERD and erectile dysfunction are remanded due to insufficient evidence.,No effective date provided as the decision is for appeal purposes only.

The Board has remanded the claims for hypertension, low back disability, and other joint disabilities due to new evidence received since previous decisions. The Veteran's service connection claim for chronic fatigue syndrome is also remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for various service-connected disabilities were denied as the effective dates cannot be earlier than May 4, 2012.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee, left ankle, and right wrist disabilities have been granted. His lumbar spine disability has been increased to a 40 percent rating from August 25, 2016.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including cervical spine disorder, upper extremity neurological disorder (including cervical radiculopathy), headaches, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, and left shoulder disorder, as secondary to his service-connected knee disabilities and associated falls.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee, right knee, and left wrist conditions. The issue of service connection for a right wrist condition is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the onset and relationship of his current disabilities to service. The Veteran will be scheduled for VA examinations to determine if any current disabilities are related to service, including exposure to battery fumes during service.

The Veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome of the right wrist is granted, while his left wrist condition remains remanded for further development.

The Board has denied service connection for right and left wrist disabilities, finding insufficient evidence to link the conditions to active military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and right wrist disability due to incomplete evaluations, lack of consideration of certain medical literature, and need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for osteoarthritis of the left wrist, right wrist, left elbow, and right elbow have been denied.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the left-hand thumb, right-hand thumb, left-hand pinky, right-hand pinky, left shoulder, and right shoulder have been granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and examinations.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 20 percent for carpal tunnel syndrome and cubital tunnel syndrome right wrist (major) has been denied. The current rating is 20 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to new evidence received after a previous denial. The left wrist disorder claim is being reviewed on a de novo basis, and the sleep apnea claim requires further examination.

The Board dismissed the claims for service connection due to the appellant's death.