Wrist & hand decisions — 2022

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development and consideration, including obtaining in-service and post-service medical records and providing a new VA examination to address continuity of symptoms since service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's failure to complete a VA Form 21-8940, which is necessary for his TDIU claim. The AOJ must provide him with the form and assist in obtaining updated treatment records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to multiple issues remaining on appeal. The AOJ must review all new evidence and issue a Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC).

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, heart disability, left knee pain, and migraines, have prevented him from obtaining and maintaining substantial gainful employment since November 11, 2005. A temporary total rating for convalescence associated with a right shoulder condition is denied, but a TDIU is granted effective November 11, 2005.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for tinnitus, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), and left knee disability due to incomplete development of the record. The claims are being returned for further action.

The Board has remanded the claims for rheumatoid arthritis of the bilateral wrists and hands due to a need for an etiology opinion.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left wrist disability, finding that there was no evidence of an in-service injury or disease related to the current conditions. The Board also found that the condition did not manifest within one year after service and is not otherwise etiologically related to any in-service event.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable due to their collective impact, as he can still perform the physical and mental acts required by most jobs.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and increased ratings have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the claims. The Board has also remanded several issues including PTSD, thoracolumbar spine strain, right shoulder rotator cuff strain, right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome with Osgood Schlatter's disease, left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome with Osgood Schlatter's disease, and TDIU.

The Veteran's hypothyroidism was granted a 100% rating prior to April 10, 2017. The TDIU issue is moot due to the SMC grant for the entire appeal period. SMC was granted prior to April 10, 2017.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims of service connection for right index finger and right wrist disorders due to a lack of VA examination, missing service treatment records, and incomplete medical history. The Veteran is requested to undergo a VA examination to determine if his current right index finger or right wrist disorder is related to his period of service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's numbness in the left arm and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome are related to service, but additional opinions are needed regarding whether these conditions are specifically due to his neck disability. The Veteran's neck disability is also found to be related to service.

The Veteran's claim for a clothing allowance due to right wrist and elbow splints is remanded as there is insufficient evidence to determine if the splints wear or tear his clothing.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for ganglion cyst on the right wrist, prostate condition, and left leg nerve damage due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Veteran's right wrist disability, including peripheral neuropathy and limitation of motion, is rated at 10 percent since May 17, 2018.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection and initial rating need further development due to incomplete information or evidence. The issues have been remanded for additional examinations, record requests, and opinions.

The Veteran's left wrist disability is granted a separate 10 percent rating effective March 1, 2018. The initial increased (20 percent) for the Veteran's service-connected left hand ulnar neuropathy is denied prior to September 27, 2021, and denied since that date.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a neck disorder, acid reflux, dizziness, bilateral wrist disorders, lower extremity radiculopathies, vision floaters, and a walking disorder, have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his claims prior to the Board decision.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's ganglion cyst residuals and carpal tunnel syndrome, including rating determinations and effective date claims. The case will be returned for further adjudication.

The Board has denied service connection for hypertension and diabetes mellitus, finding no evidence of a nexus between the conditions and active service. The Veteran's ganglion cyst removal, left carpal tunnel syndrome, and right carpal tunnel syndrome have been remanded for further examination.,Service connection is also not granted for the Veteran's ganglion cyst removal, left hand and right hand carpal tunnel syndromes due to insufficient evidence linking these conditions to service.