Wrist & hand decisions — 2022

Service connection is granted for a brain condition (other than already service-connected epilepsy) and reopening of service connection for a low back disability. Other claims are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating for left leg varicose veins, lumbar spine condition, right hip arthritis, left hip arthritis, cervical spine foraminal stenosis, right upper extremity nerve involvement (claimed as carpal tunnel), left upper extremity nerve involvement (claimed as nerve damage), acid reflux, and sleep apnea are all remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions.,The Veteran's lumbar spine condition is remanded because a new VA examination and opinion are needed given her testimony of continued back pain since service. The claim for right hip arthritis and left hip arthritis is also remanded as it involves bilateral hips, necessitating a VA examination and opinion regarding the nature and etiology of these conditions.,The Veteran's cervical spine foraminal stenosis claim is remanded due to its inextricability with her lumbar spine disability. A VA examination and medical nexus opinion are needed for both direct and secondary theories of causation.,The Veteran's claims for right upper extremity nerve involvement (claimed as carpal tunnel) and left upper extremity nerve involvement (claimed as nerve damage) are remanded due to their inextricability with her cervical spine disability. A VA examination and medical nexus opinion regarding the secondary theory of causation is needed.,The Veteran's acid reflux claim is remanded because a VA examination and medical opinion are needed given her service-connected left leg varicose veins and other potential service-connected disabilities, as well as her testimony about obesity being an intermediate step between these conditions and sleep apnea.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to the lack of evidence showing a current disability. The Veteran's low back, upper extremity neuropathy, ankle, knee, and lower leg disabilities are remanded for further examination.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for issues related to effective dates and service connection, as the Veteran withdrew his appeals. The remaining claims of service connection have been remanded.

The appeal of hearing loss and tinnitus service connection claims are dismissed. The heart disorder, left shoulder rotator cuff tear, right shoulder rotator cuff tear, carpal tunnel syndrome of the left upper extremity, and carpal tunnel syndrome of the right upper extremity issues have been remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral wrist, right ankle, and lumbar spine disabilities due to failure of the Veteran to appear for VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder supraspinatus tear with degenerative joint disease of glenohumeral joint and left shoulder supraspinatus tear due to additional evidence obtained after the July 2019 Statement of the Case. The Veteran is also requested to undergo a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his bilateral shoulder conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for a comprehensive medical opinion to determine if the Veteran incurred additional disability as a result of VA's actions during his hospitalization, including the prescribing of Depakote or any delay in changing course.

The Veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome has been granted service connection.,A disability rating of 70 percent, but no higher, for PTSD has been granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's symptoms and diagnoses in his right hand and fingers are related to his service-connected right wrist disability, but further examination is needed to determine if additional testing is required. The case is being remanded for this purpose.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient consideration of the Veteran's service-connected right wrist laceration and its residuals, including any related scars, tendon or muscle issues, and limitations.

The Board dismissed the appeal for service connection of left hand carpal tunnel syndrome. The Veteran's major depressive disorder was granted a 100% rating effective July 25, 2013.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, TDIU, nonservice-connected pension benefits, and special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance or at the housebound rate due to incomplete development of evidence.

The Veteran's right wrist osteoarthritis, degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine, and COPD are all granted as service connected.,The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy is also granted as secondary to his service-connected back disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection due to incomplete compliance with previous remands. The issues include left knee degenerative joint disease, left wrist ulnar collateral strain, and peripheral neuropathy secondary to the wrist disability.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to scheduling issues and requests for examinations. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) as his service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for IVDS, left ankle cyst, and TBI were all granted. However, the claim for carpal tunnel syndrome of the right upper extremity was denied, as was the claim for degenerative arthritis of the back.,A remand has been ordered for a cervical radiculopathy claim.

The Veteran's right wrist strain status post ganglion cyst removal is currently rated at 10 percent and the claim for a higher rating is denied. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also denied as he has been gainfully employed throughout the appeal period.

The Board has granted service connection for a left ankle disability, CTS of the bilateral upper extremities, and reopened the claim for service connection for a left shoulder disability. The case is remanded to obtain VA treatment records from San Juan, Puerto Rico.