Wrist & hand decisions — 2022

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome, specifically whether it is related to his service-connected conditions or if it was aggravated by them.

The Veteran's service-connected left shoulder strain is granted. The initial rating for his TBI with dizziness and unspecified depressive disorder remains at 40 percent, but the initial rating for headaches is increased to 50 percent. His ratings for bilateral knee ITB syndrome remain denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, scheduling a VA examination, and readjudicating the claims.

The Board has granted service connection for a lower back condition and remanded the issue of rating in excess of 10 percent for right wrist fracture.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various peripheral neuropathies and carpal tunnel syndrome are being remanded due to the need for additional development. The claim for TBI residuals is also being remanded as new evidence has been received that may support a reopening of this previously denied claim.

The Veteran's thoracic spine disability is rated at 20 percent, effective December 16, 2020. The Board granted a TDIU beginning February 15, 2012.

The Board has remanded the case due to non-compliance with previous directives, including obtaining an addendum opinion that addresses all lay statements and considers whether the Veteran's current bilateral wrist condition is related to service.

The Board denied service connection for endochondrosis with benign osseous lesions of the right and left wrists, as well as right and left carpal tunnel syndrome. The Veteran's current thumb conditions are rated at 10%.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to incomplete records and incorrect legal standards. The Veteran's current diagnoses are being evaluated again by VA clinicians.

The Veteran's claims for service connection on multiple conditions are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examination.

The Veteran's right knee surgical scars are not unstable or painful, and have no other disabling effects. Therefore, a compensable rating is denied.,Right hand disability: The Veteran's right hand disabilities are related to his service-connected cervical spine injury. Further examination is needed to determine the severity of these conditions and their impact on function.,Right wrist strain: Right wrist strain requires an initial rating in excess of 10 percent, but further examination is needed to assess the extent of symptoms and functional impairment.,Right knee disability: The Veteran's right knee disabilities require a rating in excess of 10 percent. However, the severity and frequency of his meniscal tear need to be assessed by a VA examiner.,Left knee patellar tendonitis and strain: An initial rating in excess of 10 percent is required for left knee disability, but further examination is needed to assess symptoms and functional impairment.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Board denied service connection for facial burns, skull fracture, and residuals of traumatic brain injury (TBI) as there is no evidence of these conditions during or related to the Veteran's active duty.,There are no current diagnoses of facial burns, skull fractures, or TBI. The medical records do not document any such injuries or conditions.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on the merits have been dismissed due to withdrawal. The Board has remanded several issues for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's service-connected heart disability, right wrist strain with arthritis symptoms, and impairment of the right thumb degenerative joint disease render him incapable of securing or following a substantially gainful occupation as of August 1, 2015.

The Board has granted service connection for a left wrist disability as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected left shoulder impingement syndrome. The claims of service connection for cervical spine, lumbar spine, and obstructive sleep apnea disabilities are remanded.

The Veteran's initial 30 percent rating for supraventricular arrhythmia is granted. Service connection for right carpal tunnel syndrome and sleep apnea are remanded, while service connection for a heart condition other than supraventricular arrhythmia remains unresolved.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and left hand carpal tunnel syndrome have been withdrawn.,The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for GERD has been remanded due to lack of recent in-person examination documentation.,The Veteran's cervical spine disability, bilateral shoulder disability, and bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy claims are being remanded as the VA examinations were inadequate.,ED is secondary to service-connected conditions including medications taken for other disabilities.

The Board has decided that additional evidence is needed to determine if the Veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome is service-connected. The case will be sent back for further development.