Wrist & hand decisions — 2022

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability, tinnitus, and right wrist condition. The Veteran's left foot hallux valgus was rated at 10%.,There is no evidence of a current hearing loss disability or tinnitus during service, nor is there any credible continuity of symptomatology post-service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings, service connection, and special monthly compensation are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of records. The issues include right wrist disability, psychiatric disabilities, erectile dysfunction, and loss of use.

The Veteran's right wrist carpal tunnel syndrome is related to service and has been granted.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for bilateral elbow, wrist, and ankle disabilities due to insufficient medical evidence on file. The Veteran's claims are related to his active-duty service.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings on his right shoulder and right knee disabilities, as well as the propriety of a reduction in rating for his right knee disability from 20 percent to 10 percent, has been remanded due to new evidence and need for updated VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the cases due to inadequate duty to assist and requests that the Veteran provide authorization for VA to obtain private medical records related to his claims.

The Veteran's right hand carpal tunnel syndrome and irritable bowel syndrome were not found to be related to service. However, the Veteran was granted service connection for an other specified trauma and stressor-related disorder (likely PTSD) due to military sexual assault.,The Veteran's right knee joint osteoarthritis was not addressed in this decision.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) as his employment with the United States Postal Service was considered to be in a protected environment and he earned more than marginal income.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected. The cases for left wrist pain, lumbosacral strain, and right ankle sprain are remanded due to inadequate examination findings.

The Veteran's jaw disability claim is denied as there is no diagnosed condition.,Prior to June 27, 2022, the low back disability was rated at 10 percent. From June 27, 2022, a 20 percent rating is granted.,The GERD with status post right inguinal hernia repair claim remains pending as there are no compensable ratings assigned prior to June 27, 2022.,Service connection for the left eye disability must be remanded due to lack of a statement of the case (SOC).,Prostate cancer (adjudicated as cramps and pain in the testicles) claim is pending as there are no compensable ratings assigned prior to June 27, 2022.,Service connection for skin disability of the feet and face remains pending due to lack of a statement of the case (SOC).,Heart disability (adjudicated as chest pain) claim must be remanded due to lack of a statement of the case (SOC).,Right carpal tunnel syndrome claim is pending as there are no compensable ratings assigned prior to June 27, 2022.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims, including service connection for COPD, hypertension, GERD, CAD, a psychiatric disability, a sinus disability, and a right wrist disability. The remand also includes an inquiry into potential herbicide agent exposure in Korea.

Service connection for tinnitus is granted. Service connection for headaches, lower extremity arthritis, bilateral hearing loss, and a female reproductive disorder are denied. The right wrist disorder and acquired psychiatric disorder claims are remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including right hip disability, bilateral ankle and knee disabilities, leg cramps (including shin splints), foot disabilities, and wrist disability (including carpal tunnel syndrome). The evidence does not support a relationship between these conditions and her active duty service.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss. The remaining issues of service connection for the other conditions are remanded due to inadequate VA examinations and lack of consideration of relevant evidence.

Service connection for PTSD due to MST has been granted.,Service connection for OSA was denied as there is no evidence of current disability.

The Board has decided to remand the claims of service connection for left and right wrist disabilities due to inadequate VA examinations and medical nexus opinions. Another remand is necessary as the Veteran failed to report for a scheduled examination, and another opinion on secondary service connection is needed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right wrist fracture disability, low back disability, and glaucoma due to concerns about the competency of VA medical examiners.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for muscle pain, joint pain, and right knee condition. The Board also remanded the issues of service connection for right wrist condition, left wrist condition, finger condition, and left leg condition.,The VA examinations did not provide sufficient opinions regarding the etiology of the claimed conditions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left wrist condition and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The decision also notes that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss claim is remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not render him unemployable prior to March 9, 2016.