Wrist & hand decisions — 2021

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his service-connected left wrist and shoulder conditions are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 50% effective September 1, 2010. The Board has granted a maximum schedular rating for this condition.

The Veteran's right wrist condition is rated at 60 percent, effective from September 29, 2014 to May 21, 2018. The Veteran also received SMC for loss of use of the right hand during this period. His left and right hip scars are each rated at 10 percent, effective from September 29, 2014 to May 21, 2018. A total disability rating due to unemployability is granted.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings were denied, and his disability rating for neuropathy of the right hand was reversed but not otherwise granted.

Service connection for left and right carpal tunnel syndrome has been granted.,The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for a neck disorder and a back disorder due to potential service causation or aggravation.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is found to have caused or contributed to her current hypertension.,There is no evidence of a current disability related to the claimed bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, knee disabilities, pes planus, or cardiac disability that could be attributed to active service.,The Veteran does not have and has not been diagnosed as having a heart condition due to her service-connected PTSD.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's current bilateral wrist disability is related to his service or any incident of service, including as due to his service-connected bilateral plantar fasciitis.

The Veteran's TDIU claim has been granted, and he is now eligible for benefits due to his service-connected PTSD.,Service connection for OSA and GERD have also been granted as they are proximately due to or the result of his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae and service connection for right wrist disability are remanded due to inconsistencies in previous examinations and changes in the rating criteria.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for allergic rhinitis was denied.,The Veteran was granted entitlement to a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance due to his inability to perform daily activities such as feeding, dressing, bathing, and attending to personal hygiene needs. The Board has granted special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his left wrist condition is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for right hand or wrist, back, and right knee conditions are remanded due to insufficient information. A VA examination is needed to determine if these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for left wrist degenerative changes and right shoulder disability due to new evidence received since the April 2012 denial. The claim for TDIU is dismissed as moot.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral upper extremity disability, finding that there was no evidence of such condition in service or within one year post-service. The preponderance of the evidence did not support a nexus between his current disabilities and service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for cold injury sequela peripheral sensory neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities and bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy/carpal tunnel syndrome are being remanded.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for an anxiety disorder is being remanded, as well as his eligibility for benefits for the period from August 22, 2013 to March 1, 2018. The TDIU prior to September 19, 2018 is also being remanded.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of a TDIU is inextricably intertwined with these issues and must be addressed as well.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for lumbosacral or cervical spine disorder, right shoulder disorder, right wrist disorder, and right ankle disorder due to secondary service-connected right knee disability. The case is being returned for further development.

The Board has determined that additional medical opinions are needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection due to potential missing VA treatment records and other factors.

The Board has remanded the claims for residuals of a traumatic brain injury, carpal tunnel syndrome, and neurological disability of the right lower extremity due to additional development being required. The claim for skin disability of the bilateral lower extremities must also be remanded.

The appeals for bilateral hearing loss, erectile dysfunction, and personality disorder have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his claims.,The appeals for increased ratings of right knee chondromalacia and right hand minimal motor and mild sensory loss have also been dismissed.