Wrist & hand decisions — 2023

The Veteran's appeals for various conditions have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his appeal.

The Board has found that there was not substantial compliance with its prior remand directives and another remand is required for the issues of service connection for right wrist osteoarthritis, to include as secondary to service-connected right wrist ganglion cyst; a right arm injury; and a left arm injury.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of increased rating for LUE radiculopathy and service connection claims for left arm carpal tunnel syndrome and cervical spine disability due to incomplete medical records. The Veteran needs a new VA examination to assess his current condition.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for the RO to issue an SOC addressing his claims of entitlement to increased disability ratings and the propriety of a rating reduction. The appeals remain in the Legacy appeals system.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen several service connection claims, including for bilateral eye disability, psychiatric disorder, OSA, hypertension, cervical spine, left shoulder disability, right shoulder disability, left wrist disability (CTS), right wrist disability (CTS), left lower extremity disability (residuals of left femur fracture), gout, sinus disability (sinusitis), breathing disability (allergic rhinitis), colon cancer, colon polyps, hemorrhoids, and H. Pylori infection (claimed as stomach disability). These claims are now remanded for further development.

The Veteran's right wrist disability, which was initially rated as 10 percent disabling, is now granted a 50 percent evaluation.

The Board has dismissed the issues of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss and sinus issues. The remaining issues, including infertility, jaw or nerve condition related to wisdom teeth removal, and right wrist issues, are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for migraine headaches, left hip sprain, right wrist disability, left-hand index finger disability, and low back disability due to a lack of VA examinations. The Veteran is requested to provide necessary medical evidence or attend VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected carpal tunnel syndrome in both arms are being remanded due to the inadequacy of the December 2018 examination report and the need for a current evaluation.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been remanded due to insufficient evidence. The Board found that the current ratings do not meet the criteria for higher ratings based on the severity of his COPD, degenerative arthritis of the left wrist, carpal tunnel syndrome of both wrists, and other conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for right wrist, cervical spine, and bilateral hip disabilities due to lack of evidence showing a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The Board has remanded these cases for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating of his disabilities due to incomplete VA examinations, lack of proper notice, and need for further medical opinions.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and GERD disabilities are granted, with a rating of 30 percent. The left elbow disability is granted but at the maximum allowable rating (10%). Other issues remain pending.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ankle and right wrist conditions due to insufficient medical opinions in the record.

The Board has granted service connection for thoracolumbar spine and cervical spine disabilities, as well as tinnitus. Service connection was also granted for hypertrophic calluses of the left foot and right foot.,Service connection was denied for sinusitis and bilateral hearing loss.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection of various disabilities, including a right wrist disability, left wrist disability, neck disability, and right ankle disability. The decision also denied an earlier effective date for tinnitus.

The Veteran's right wrist ganglion cyst and bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis were evaluated, but the appeals for increased evaluations or TDIU were denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete assessment of the Veteran's left wrist disorder and chronic regional pain syndrome. The Veteran needs a VA examination to evaluate his entire left upper extremity, including any manifestations of chronic regional pain syndrome.