Wrist & hand decisions — 2022

The Veteran's petition to reopen her claim for service connection of bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome was granted, and the Board found that a remand is necessary due to insufficient evidence. The right knee disability and partial salpingectomy rating appeals are also being remanded.

The Veteran's lumbar spine, bilateral hand, right shoulder, left shoulder, right knee, and left knee disabilities are service-connected. GERD, sleep apnea, and breathing disorder were not found to be related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions did not render her unemployable, and she was employed on a full-time basis prior to January 3, 2016. Effective January 4, 2016, the Veteran is granted SMC based on need for aid and attendance.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome of the right wrist, finding that there was no evidence to support a nexus between his current condition and his active duty service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a left wrist condition, finding that there is no current disability related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected right foot and wrist disabilities have rendered him unemployable for the period prior to June 30, 2008. The Board has granted a TDIU on an extraschedular basis.

The Board has determined that the VA contract examiner's opinions are inadequate and internally inconsistent, necessitating further examination and opinion to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed disabilities.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of left carpal tunnel syndrome, left cubital tunnel syndrome, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression and anxiety) due to the Veteran's death.

The Board dismissed all claims for increased ratings and service connection due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has remanded the cases for further examination and clarification of the Veteran's symptoms related to his left wrist ulnar neuropathy, including distinguishing between symptoms caused by arthritis and those caused by the ulnar neuropathy. The rating for the surgical scar is also being remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the evaluation of the ulnar neuropathy.

Service connection for osteomyelitis, right hip is granted. Service connection for other hand and wrist disorders are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), left hand arthritis, right hand arthritis, and left wrist rheumatoid arthritis are remanded due to the need for additional development regarding exposure to herbicide agents during his military service.

The Board has remanded the claims due to incomplete development and requests for an SSOC.

The Board denied service connection for a right arm disability, finding that the evidence is not persuasive in establishing a relationship between the Veteran's current disabilities and his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected left and right thumb disabilities, along with bilateral wrist degenerative conditions, have resulted in loss of use of both hands at the wrist level. The Board has granted entitlement to special monthly compensation (SMC) based on this condition.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss, cervical strain, thoracic and lumbar strain with IVDS, sciatic radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, right carpal tunnel syndrome, and bipolar disorder with anxiety disorder have all been denied. The appeal is remanded for further development regarding service connection for tendonitis, bilateral pes planus, and total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various upper extremity and skin disorders due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's right wrist tenosynovitis, status post Dequervain's release, is not rated higher than 10 percent due to lack of ankylosis.,Initial ratings of 20 percent for both right and left shin splints have been granted.,No effective date provided as the decision pertains to initial rating determinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a left wrist disability and headaches due to inadequate examination reports. Further development is required, including obtaining VA treatment records, service personnel records, and scheduling the Veteran for examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left ankle disability, bilateral plantar fasciitis, left wrist carpal tunnel syndrome, right wrist carpal tunnel syndrome, hemorrhoids, and tinnitus. The claims are based on direct evidence of a relationship to service.