Wrist & hand decisions — 2022

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was documented at the time of his initial enlistment, and there is no evidence indicating that it underwent an aggravation during service. The Board finds that the condition has not been permanently aggravated beyond its natural progression by his service.,Service connection for a low back disorder is remanded due to the need for clarification on whether the in-service complaint had been considered.,The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) was diagnosed at least several years earlier than during service, and this matter must be remanded for an addendum opinion clarifying that the complete factual record has been considered.,Service connection for a sinus disorder is remanded due to the need for clarification on whether the Veteran had such a condition during the appeal period that resolved prior to the more recent examinations.,The Veteran's allergic rhinitis was not diagnosed at the time of the VA examination, and this matter must be remanded for an addendum opinion clarifying whether he had such a condition during the appeal period.,Service connection for right carpal tunnel syndrome is remanded due to the need for clarification on whether the Veteran's condition is proximately due or aggravated by his service-connected left wrist disability.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, must be remanded due to the need for an appropriate records search and examination regarding a verified in-service stressor.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral tinnitus, right upper extremity (RUE) carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), and left upper extremity (LUE) CTS are being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's left knee disability is rated at 60 percent, and the right knee disability is rated at 50 percent. The Veteran seeks increased ratings for these conditions.,SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status from March 1, 2021 was denied as he does not meet the criteria.

The Board denied service connection for right wrist disorder, left wrist disorder, and right ankle arthritis. However, it granted service connection for a skin disorder of the lower lip.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to unclear diagnoses and need for further medical guidance.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to insufficient medical opinions and need for additional development. The claims include low back disability, right and left carpal tunnel syndrome, acquired psychiatric condition (major depressive disorder and PTSD), and bilateral knee disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for left hand carpal tunnel and de Quervain's syndrome, as well as migraines. The conditions were found to be related to the Veteran's active duty service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for right chronic sprain/strain and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) due to insufficient medical examination in May 2021. The Veteran is required to undergo a new VA examination to address his lay contentions of continuity of symptomatology from active service to present.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings due to the need for further development and examination of his right wrist and left lower extremity conditions.

The petition to reopen the claims for service connection for Meniere's disease, migraine headaches, bilateral wrist disorder, low back disorder, right ear hearing loss, left knee disorder, and right knee disorder is granted.,Service connection is established for Meniere's disease and secondary service connection for migraine headaches are also granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need to obtain a VA examiner's curriculum vitae.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as 10 percent prior to June 28, 2021, and 20 percent on and after that date. The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome due to a lack of consideration of medications related to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's left wrist degenerative joint disease is remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his disability and its functional impact. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the increased rating claim.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for right wrist CTS, finding that his current condition is due to an inservice injury and resolving reasonable doubt in his favor.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected PTSD. The other issues on appeal are denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for low back, bilateral knee and ankle, and right wrist disabilities due to insufficient examination reports and outstanding records. The Veteran is seeking higher ratings or service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's tinea pedis and recurrent left great toe ingrown toenail are deemed to have been incurred in service.,The Veteran's right wrist disability is remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's hypertension is found to be aggravated by her service-connected spondylosis of the lumbar spine, and thus granted secondary service connection.,Service connection for a bilateral wrist disability was denied as there is no evidence of continuity of symptomatology within one year post-service.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete opinions regarding the Veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, including whether it is related to service-connected diabetes mellitus or a different medical condition.