Wrist & hand decisions — 2021

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient opinions regarding secondary service connection and chemical exposure.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings are remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations to assess the current severity of his lower back, right ring finger, right knee, and right foot disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, bilateral foot condition, and lower back condition due to incomplete development. The AOJ is instructed to notify the Veteran that records from Dr. Robbie could not be obtained.

The Veteran's combination of service-connected disabilities required care and assistance on a regular basis to dress herself, prepare meals, keep herself clean and presentable, attend to the wants of nature, and protect her from the hazards or dangers inherent in her daily environment. As such, she is granted special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection of gastrointestinal and genitourinary disabilities, as well as bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and hypertension. Service connection is granted for left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy with dystonia, and left lower and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathies due to Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left wrist disability was denied in April 2017, and he withdrew his appeal. He later submitted a new claim on April 27, 2018, seeking to reopen the previous denial. The Board found that this did not meet the requirements for a timely appeal or submission of new and material evidence.

The Board has determined that additional medical opinions are needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating increases, as well as a new examination is required to assess his bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hammertoes, hypertension, muscle and joint disorders of various body parts, upper and lower gastrointestinal tract disorders, eye disorder, sleep apnea, surgical scars, and headache disorder due to incomplete service records and need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding service connection for a right wrist disability and a higher rating prior to June 27, 2019 for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has found the VA examinations inadequate and remanded the issues for further examination. The Veteran is seeking service connection for various joint disabilities, including arthritis of multiple joints, elbow disability, bilateral shoulder disability, wrist disability (including CTS), and right-hand disability.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral elbow, shoulder, wrist, hip, and ankle disabilities.,The Board also dismissed the Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome and left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations to address his claims of service connection for various conditions, including arthritis and foot issues. The Board found that further examination was needed as a result of the July 2021 Joint Motion for Partial Remand (JMPR).

The Board has granted the Veteran's requests to reopen claims for service connection for hypertension, sleep apnea, right wrist disability, left shoulder disability, and psychiatric disability (depression). The appeals are remanded for further development.

The Board has dismissed all appeals for service connection due to the Veteran's withdrawal of her requests.

The Board has granted service connection for low back pain, bilateral wrist carpal tunnel syndrome, and hypertension. The Veteran's current disabilities are found to have their onset in service.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for bilateral wrist disorder, right knee disorder, and left knee disorder due to insufficient evidence regarding in-service events. The Veteran testified that he participated in rigorous training during service, but further evidence is needed to determine if these conditions are related.

The Board has determined that there is not substantial compliance with its previous remand directives, and thus the Veteran's claim for service connection must be remanded again for further development.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's rheumatoid arthritis of the cervical spine, bilateral shoulders, and bilateral wrists. The examiner is asked to provide detailed information about range of motion tests and any additional functional loss due to pain during flare-ups or with repeated use over time.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary to ensure substantial compliance with the prior remand directives. The Veteran's service connection claims for various shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand disabilities are being remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for additional medical opinions.