Wrist & hand decisions — 2021

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation prior to July 17, 2012.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for further evidentiary development, including a new VA examination to evaluate the full disability picture of the Veteran's service-connected left wrist disability and assess any impairment caused by repeated use over time.

The Veteran's right bicep tendinitis is granted as service connected. The Board finds the Veteran's cervical spine, hip, and wrist disabilities are not related to his active duty or any other service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant through his representative, and as a result, the appeal is dismissed.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left ankle disability, amputation of right index finger, fracture of left wrist, diabetes mellitus, carpal tunnel of left wrist, and carpal tunnel of right wrist. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection on the issues of shortness of breath, hearing loss, and tinnitus was dismissed due to his withdrawal. The remaining claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD), left wrist disorder, and dental disorder were remanded.

The Veteran withdrew her appeals for the issues of entitlement to an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for Madelung deformity of the right wrist, plantar fasciitis, left foot, chondromalacia patella, right knee with degenerative arthritis, and residuals, left ankle sprain.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a right wrist nerve and fingers/forearm disability, chronic headaches, lumbosacral strain, prostate disability, sinusitis, and allergic rhinitis due to outstanding VA treatment records not being associated with the claims file.

The Veteran's prostate cancer was denied service connection as it manifested more than one year after separation and is not shown to be causally related to an in-service injury or disease. The claims for psychiatric, heart, cervical spine, low back, bilateral shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, ankle, and foot disabilities are remanded due to the failure to obtain examinations and opinions concerning their etiology.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hiatal hernia, bilateral carpal and cubital tunnel syndrome, and right knee disability due to inadequate opinions from VA examiners. The Veteran is seeking service connection for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to incomplete examination findings. The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for DDD with arthritis and spondylosis of the thoracic and lumbar spine, and left wrist strain are pending.

The Veteran's right carpal tunnel syndrome was granted a 10% rating from February 9, 2010 to May 6, 2013. The Board found that the evidence showed mild incomplete paralysis of the right wrist during this period.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including obstructive sleep apnea, left and right upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome, lumbar spine condition, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, and dysfunctional bleeding, have rendered her unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.,VA has not provided a medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea. The examiner should determine whether it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is related to her military service, caused by her acquired psychiatric disorder, or aggravated by her service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to August 19, 2009 is being remanded due to the need for additional records and further review.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development and consideration, including obtaining an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The issues remain on appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are not of such severity to preclude substantially gainful employment. Additional VA examinations and medical opinions are needed to determine the impact of her service-connected conditions on her employability.

The Veteran's initial compensable disability rating for service-connected right ear serous otitis media with hearing loss was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating, and thus remanded the cases of his right wrist condition, right knee condition, and lower back condition.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the claims on appeal can be adjudicated, as there are inconsistencies and gaps in the record. The Veteran's claim for service connection for radiculopathy and/or brachial neuritis of the right upper extremity, to include as due to service-connected degenerative disc and joint disease of the cervical spine is remanded.

The Board has determined that there is not substantial compliance with its February 2020 remand directives and the claims for service connection are again being remanded due to incomplete verification of the Veteran's service periods, inadequate VA examinations, and incomplete medical records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection related to bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, low back condition, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy require additional development due to a lack of VA examinations.