Wrist & hand decisions — 2023

The Veteran's appeal for higher disability ratings for his service-connected left wrist and shoulder conditions is remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations.

The Veteran's right wrist carpal tunnel syndrome is granted as service connected. The earlier effective date for left wrist carpal tunnel syndrome claim is denied, and the increased evaluation for left wrist carpal tunnel syndrome and hypertension are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation from July 25, 2018 to April 17, 2019. The Board granted the TDIU claim based on multiple service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 20 percent for cervical spine disability was dismissed due to the Veteran's representative requesting withdrawal.,Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is granted, with the Board finding that the evidence is in equipoise regarding whether it is related to military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his service-connected right wrist sprain with De Quervain's syndrome and median and radial nerve impairment of the right upper extremity are being remanded due to insufficient evidence in the current record.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for a right wrist disability, right shoulder disability, right lower extremity sciatica, left lower extremity sciatica, erectile dysfunction (secondary to PTSD with MDD), and entitlement to a TDIU. The Veteran's right wrist disability is found to have its onset during service.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for additional information regarding the qualifications of the VA examiners who conducted his wrist conditions and sleep apnea examinations in April 2016 and March 2017.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted as secondary to his service-connected tinnitus. His right wrist condition, which has resulted in extremely unfavorable ankylosis and post-traumatic arthritis, is rated at the maximum schedular rating of 70 percent.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a right hand/wrist disability, finding that there was no evidence of an in-service injury or chronic condition related to such a disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's tinnitus and right wrist disability, specifically whether these conditions are related to service or a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions regarding his chronic kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and skin disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings for right wrist pain, right ankle sprain, and left wrist tendonitis are remanded due to insufficient evidence in the record.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right wrist disability, including a ganglion cyst. The evidence did not show that the condition was incurred or aggravated by active service.

The Board has determined that further development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral heel disability, cervical spine disability, and right wrist disability due to potential outstanding VA treatment records and incomplete examination opinions.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal, indicating he no longer wished to pursue the claims for service connection or rating increases. The Board has dismissed the appeal as a result.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating greater than 20 percent for DJD of the thoracolumbar spine was dismissed due to withdrawal by his representative. The issues of service connection for bilateral wrist / hand / finger disabilities, secondary to service-connected DJD of the thoracolumbar spine, are remanded.

The Veteran's request for a TDIU rating since October 23, 2014 is dismissed due to the combined 100% schedular disability rating. For the period before October 23, 2014, the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the claims for an increased disability rating for PTSD and service connection for a left-hand disability, including carpal tunnel syndrome and degenerative arthritis. The RO needs to conduct additional development and readjudicate these issues.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for left wrist condition, abdominal disorder, and right wrist strain due to insufficient evidence in some areas. The Veteran's claims are not currently supported by a current diagnosis or sufficient medical opinion.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a right wrist disability and ulcerative colitis have been granted. The right wrist disability was reopened due to new evidence, and the Veteran has established a nexus between his in-service injuries and current symptoms. For ulcerative colitis, the Veteran provided credible reports of treatment during service.