Wrist & hand decisions — 2023

The Veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome is granted increased evaluations of 30 percent for the right upper extremity and 20 percent for the left upper extremity, based on moderate incomplete paralysis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral wrist disabilities due to a lack of an in-person VA examination. The Veteran is presumed to have developed these conditions during his military service.

The Board denied service connection for herniated prolapsed nucleus pulposus with laminectomy and right wrist condition, finding that the Veteran did not have a back injury during service and no evidence of chronic disease related to his back was found in the records.

The Board has granted service connection for right-hand/wrist, left-hand/wrist, right-knee, and left-knee disabilities. The claims are based on the Veteran's reports of in-service symptoms and subsequent treatment.

The Veteran's service-connected TBI and other conditions have caused him to require the regular aid and attendance of another person. The Board has granted SMC based on need for aid and attendance, but remanded for a new examination regarding his initial disability rating for TBI.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral wrist disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes mellitus type 2 due to inadequate medical opinions. Additional development is required.

The Veteran's left wrist carpal tunnel syndrome is rated at 20 percent, while her right wrist carpal tunnel syndrome remains denied for a higher rating.,Her right knee patellofemoral syndrome and radiculopathy of the lower extremities are both remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for left shoulder degenerative arthritis and rotator cuff tear, right shoulder degenerative arthritis, right carpal tunnel syndrome, and left carpal tunnel syndrome. These conditions are found to be caused by the Veteran's service-connected right little finger disability.,The decision also includes a remand for further evaluation of the Veteran's claimed left hand pain.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for left and right carpal tunnel syndrome due to a lack of a nexus between the current disabilities and service, specifically as a teletype specialist.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the issues of increased ratings for right upper extremity RSD and right wrist disability, as well as TDIU. The Veteran's claims are being remanded to obtain necessary records and provide further medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating due to a lack of recent medical evidence, new theories of entitlement, or procedural issues.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a VA medical opinion on whether the Veteran's back disability is secondary to his service-connected pes planus and whether his current thoracolumbar spine disability began during active service or is related to his period of active service.

The Veteran's right ankle gout is related to service and the Board has granted service connection for this condition. The other issues on appeal are remanded due to a duty to assist error.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability and left wrist disability has been reopened, and the claims are granted. The Veteran is also granted an increased rating of 60 percent for his GERD from June 16, 2017 to July 16, 2019.

The Veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome, asthma, migraine headaches, chronic sinusitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have been granted service connection. However, the initial ratings for asthma, migraine headaches, chronic sinusitis, and GERD are being remanded due to lack of recent VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) due to inadequate development in the previous VA medical opinion.

The Veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome, degenerative arthritis with right radiculopathy (lower back condition), and bilateral hearing loss have been granted service connection. The carpal tunnel syndrome is related to his active duty duties as a hull maintenance technician and damage controlman. The degenerative arthritis with right radiculopathy is presumed due to the Veteran's in-service injury, while the bilateral hearing loss is denied as there was no evidence of hearing loss during or within one year after service.

The Board denied service connection for a left wrist disability as secondary to bilateral plantar fasciitis, finding no current left wrist disability related to the Veteran's service-connected plantar fasciitis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left carpal tunnel syndrome and a left knee condition due to duty-related injuries during active military service. The Veteran is required to provide updated medical records, including those from her treatment at Torii Station in Okinawa, Japan.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a left ankle disorder has been reopened. The initial rating for PTSD was increased to 50% prior to January 27, 2023, and denied thereafter. A rating in excess of 10% is denied for the right wrist carpal navicular fracture. Service connection claims for OSA, CFS, and fibromyalgia are remanded.