Wrist & hand decisions — 2021

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals of a fractured left wrist with residual scar since July 25, 2018 is denied. The highest schedular rating available based on limitation of motion throughout the appeal period.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of increased rating for PTSD and TDIU due to new evidence received since the last statement of the case.

The Veteran's GAD was granted service connection effective August 6, 2012. The increased rating for wrist scars is granted and the effective date is set at October 22, 2019.

The Board has remanded the case due to uncertainty regarding the level of ankylosis in the Veteran's left wrist, and requests that a VA examiner clarify this issue.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and remanded the issue of a compensable rating for the left wrist ganglion cyst.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing or following gainful employment prior to October 2, 2012. Therefore, the claim for TDIU is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for neurological disorders of the upper and lower extremities, as well as a low back disability and right shoulder disability. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by active service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to insufficient service connection determinations and rating issues. The Board finds that the claims for PTSD, depression, and left wrist disability need further examination and opinion.

The Board dismissed all service connection claims due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for chronic pain syndrome is denied as he does not have a current diagnosis of the condition.,Service connection for bipolar disorder, hypertension, and tinnitus are remanded due to incomplete records. The Veteran’s OSA is also remanded for further examination and opinion regarding its relationship with his service-connected left knee disability and any non-service-connected psychiatric disability.,The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for bilateral wrist disabilities (left and right) is remanded as the VA examinations did not fully comply with the requirements of Correia v. McDonald, 28 Vet. App. 158 (2016).

The Veteran's appeals for an increased rating for lumbosacral strain and service connection for lumbar spine spondylosis and DDD have been dismissed. The appeal for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity is denied, while tinnitus has been granted.,Service connection for Parkinson’s disease and right carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) are pending and need further evaluation.

The Veteran withdrew his claims for fibromyalgia, right carpal tunnel syndrome, left carpal tunnel syndrome, and nerve damage disability.,New evidence was received to reopen the claims of service connection for left knee disability and back disability. The claims are currently pending.

The Veteran's right wrist CTS was granted service connection as it manifested within one year of separation from service and is not attributable to intercurrent causes. The claim for diabetes remains remanded due to inadequate opinion.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, finding that the Veteran's current disability is related to his active military service.

The Veteran's initial disability ratings for various hand and knee conditions were denied. The right knee condition was rated at 10% from December 27, 2012, with no higher rating granted due to noncompensable limitation of flexion.

The Veteran's migraine disability is granted as secondary to her service-connected visual disability.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss, low back disability, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), diabetes mellitus, type 2 (diabetes), hypertension, and breast cancer are all remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is granted. The heart disability issue is dismissed. Service connection for PTSD, vertigo, plantar fasciitis, TBI, left wrist, bilateral ankle, bilateral elbow, and bilateral hand disabilities are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for left wrist tendonitis and pain, but remanded the cases of lumbar degenerative disc disease and intervertebral disc syndrome and allergic rhinitis due to lack of nexus between current conditions and service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left wrist and left foot disabilities are not service-connected due to lack of evidence showing a connection between his current conditions and military service. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation from January 25, 2008 to May 24, 2010.