Wrist & hand decisions — 2020

The claims for service connection of hepatitis C and posttraumatic stress disorder have been reopened, but the issues of increased ratings for left wrist fracture with strain and left elbow arthralgia, as well as TDIU, are still pending.,Additional evidence has been submitted to support reopening of the hepatitis C and PTSD claims. However, further development is needed in order to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals of right wrist fracture and entitlement to TDIU due to inadequate development. The Veteran will need to undergo further examination to assess his service-connected condition.

The Veteran's right wrist arthritis is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board has decided to remand the case for a higher rating due to her testimony indicating worsening symptoms.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development, including obtaining records of any chiropractic treatment and VA treatment received by the Veteran. The issues on appeal will be reconsidered after this development.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for right upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to his work as a jet engine mechanic in service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, and bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy. The evidence did not establish a nexus between these conditions and military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a sleep disorder has been granted. His migraine headaches have also been increased to 50 percent prior to June 6, 2019 and his GERD has been increased to 30 percent.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and evaluation of his disabilities, including PTSD. The issues include left hand condition, right hand and wrist condition (status post surgery), left shoulder condition, right shoulder condition, neck condition, PTSD, and TDIU.

The Veteran's right upper extremity chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (previously carpal tunnel syndrome) was rated at 40% since October 27, 2018. The claim for a higher rating is denied.

The RO increased the ratings for several conditions and granted service connection, but denied the request to apply the bilateral factor. The Veteran's combined rating is now 90 percent.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's right arm carpal tunnel syndrome is secondary to his service-connected status post fracture of the right forearm and remanded for further action.

The Board denied service connection for right wrist pain, left wrist pain, right hand arthralgia, and left hand arthralgia as there is no current disability manifested by these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a stomach disability and right wrist disability, both of which are secondary to his service-connected somatic disorder and residuals of a traumatic brain injury. The VA is instructed to schedule the Veteran for additional examinations to determine if these disabilities were incurred in service or are otherwise etiologically related.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied. The Board has remanded several issues, including those related to the right eye pterygium and intestinal disability.

The Board has reopened the claims of service connection for right ear hearing loss, a right knee disability, asthma, carpal tunnel syndrome of the right and left upper extremities, and traumatic brain injury. The issues are being remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a left wrist disability due to inadequate opinions in the original VA examinations. The Veteran's claims are being returned for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea, but the claims for arthritis in multiple joints and right wrist disorder are remanded.

The Board has dismissed all claims of service connection as the Veteran died during the appeal process.

The Board has dismissed the claims for service connection for right wrist, left wrist, right knee, and bilateral hearing loss disabilities as the appellant withdrew these claims prior to a decision.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left wrist carpal tunnel syndrome has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. However, the claim remains denied as there is no credible evidence showing that her current condition began during active service or is otherwise related to an in-service injury.