Wrist & hand decisions — 2022

The Veteran's COPD and bilateral CTS are not service-connected. The right shoulder disability is rated at the maximum available evaluation.

The Board denied service connection for various orthopedic conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, left knee disability, right shoulder disability, left wrist disability, right wrist disability, right ankle disability, and left hand disability. The evidence did not show the presence of a current disability in any of these areas.

The Veteran's claim for a clothing allowance based on the use of a right foot orthotic device was denied because there is no record of him using such an orthotic in 2020 or 2021.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection of left shoulder and right wrist disorders as these conditions were already granted in a previous rating decision.

The Veteran's right thumb tendon repair is granted a 50 percent rating, effective from the date of remand. The TDIU claim is denied as his service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for right and left lower extremity neuropathy, as well as right and left upper extremity CTS have been denied.,A TDIU was granted effective November 6, 2017.

The Veteran was granted clothing allowances for a left wrist brace and right foot brace in 2014, but the claim for a right knee brace was denied.

The Veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, knee disability, obstructive sleep apnea, gastroesophageal reflux disorder, hypertension, and incontinence are all granted as service-connected.,Service connection is established for these conditions based on a direct relationship to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, migraines, and physical impairments of the right shoulder, knees, back, and eyes, render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU effective November 2, 2015.

The Board has determined that there are errors in the decision-making process regarding service connection for right hand and left hand carpal tunnel syndrome, as well as follicular low-grade B-cell lymphoma. The Veteran's claims have been remanded to obtain further medical opinions and address potential service connection.

The Veteran meets the schedular requirements for a TDIU from May 30, 2014, forward due to his service-connected disabilities. The Board finds that the combined effects of his back disability and other conditions prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are remanded due to open medical questions related to his CAD, arthritis of various joints, and other disabilities. The Veteran is required to undergo examinations to address these issues.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's left wrist CTS and his service-connected left shoulder disability, as well as other duties during service. Further development is needed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for right wrist, left wrist, and neck conditions due to a lack of current disability evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened due to new and relevant evidence. The Board has decided that a remand is necessary to determine the nature and etiology of his headaches, bilateral foot condition, and left wrist sprain.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension but denied service connection for right and left carpal tunnel syndrome. The decision is based on the Veteran's STRs showing no evidence of these conditions during or immediately after his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to consider whether the Appellant is entitled to DIC benefits for the cause of the Veteran's death under 38 U.S.C. § 1310 and to enhanced DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1311(a)(2).

The Board has determined that the AOJ did not substantially comply with prior remand directives and thus, the case is being remanded for further action.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability is rated at 20% prior to March 26, 2019 and at 30% thereafter. The rating for right knee degenerative joint disease, left knee degenerative joint disease, and posttraumatic arthritis of the left wrist are all denied. Bilateral tinea pedis and bilateral hearing loss do not warrant compensable ratings.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection has been remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions. The claim for right lower extremity radiculopathy is reopened, but further evidence is needed to determine if it is related to service or a service-connected condition.