Wrist & hand decisions — 2022

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left carpal tunnel syndrome, finding no evidence to support a direct relationship to his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral flat feet and plantar fasciitis, right or left ear disorder (to include hearing loss and hyperacusis), right ankle disability, left ankle disability, left carpal tunnel syndrome, right carpal tunnel syndrome, right shoulder disability, left knee disability, right knee disability, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions. The Veteran's claims are being remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's extremely unfavorable ankylosis status post-fusion of the right wrist with ulnar neuropathy and torn ligaments has been rated as 70 percent disabling throughout the period on appeal.,For the periods prior to April 22, 2013, his post-operative varicose veins of the left lower extremity have been rated at 20 percent. From April 22, 2013 to December 27, 2013, he was rated at 40 percent. From March 1, 2014 to July 18, 2016, the rating remained at 40 percent. Since then, it has been rated at 20 percent until February 5, 2021.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to missed examinations and a misunderstanding on both sides. The matter will be returned for further examination and etiology opinions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and rating of a right fourth finger disability, as well as any related hand and wrist disabilities. The Veteran needs to undergo an examination to assess these potential secondary conditions.

The Veteran's neck, back, and bilateral wrist disabilities have been granted service connection. The right ankle, left ankle, and left knee disabilities are being remanded for further examination.,Bilateral fallen arches has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and to obtain updated VA treatment records. The TDIU claim will be held in abeyance until the increased rating issue is resolved.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The issues include bilateral upper extremity pain/carpal tunnel syndrome, bilateral knee disability, bilateral pes planus, heart disorder, and pulmonary disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the service connection for Parkinson's disease and right carpal tunnel syndrome. The claims are pending further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration due to insufficient medical opinions regarding service connection for hepatitis C and a need for a new examination for the left wrist disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for insomnia is denied as the symptomology is considered duplicative of their already granted service-connected sleep apnea and residuals of a traumatic brain injury. The Board has also remanded issues related to cervical spine disability, carpal tunnel syndrome (right upper extremity), carpal tunnel syndrome (left upper extremity), and a residual scar for further development.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claim for service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome of the left upper extremity, including as secondary to a service-connected left thumb condition. The remand includes obtaining an updated medical opinion regarding the etiology and causation of the Veteran's LUE carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were reopened, and the appeals are granted for neck disability and left shoulder disability. The claim for wrist disability remains denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied. The Board has remanded several issues, including PTSD and depression, as well as other conditions.

The Veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome of the upper right and left extremities is not related to service, and is not caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability. Therefore, his claims for service connection are denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a right wrist disability, finding that there was no nexus between his current right wrist tendonitis and his active military service.

The Veteran's right hand carpal tunnel syndrome is granted with a rating of 30 percent, but no higher. The appeal for residuals of TBI and left upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome remains pending.

The Board dismissed the claim for service connection for a skin condition affecting the feet as moot due to its grant in April 2021.,The Board granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, finding it is approximately as likely as not that the appellant had such a disability during his active service.

The Board denied service connection for right wrist and hand disorders, left wrist and hand disorders, and a right arm and elbow disorder as secondary to service-connected fibromyalgia due to lack of evidence showing continuity of symptoms since service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for TDIU, SMC based on loss of use of his left hand, and SMC based on need for aid and attendance.