Wrist & hand decisions — 2023

The Veteran's initial compensable evaluation for migraine headaches prior to November 9, 2020, is denied.,An evaluation higher than 50 percent for migraine headaches from November 9, 2020, forward, is also denied.

The Board has determined that more development is necessary for the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, left shoulder disability, right knee disability, left knee disability, right ankle disability, left ankle disability, and left wrist disability. The Veteran's current complaints and treatment records are insufficient to resolve these claims.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension, diabetes mellitus type II, OSA, and left CTS on a secondary basis due to the Veteran's service-connected conditions.,The evidence is in approximate balance as to whether the Veteran's service-connected diabetes is proximately causing his left upper extremity CTS.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left wrist condition, finding that there was no evidence of chronicity or continuity of symptoms since service and that the in-service injury resolved prior to separation.

The Veteran's service-connected left shoulder disability and associated conditions do not preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the cases due to inadequate VA examinations and a need for further medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is restored to a 30 percent rating effective October 31, 2016. Effective dates for increased ratings for other conditions are denied.

The Veteran's right hand disability (other than right carpal tunnel syndrome) is granted on a direct basis as it began during and has continued since service, and was at least as likely as not caused by in-service injury.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear and left ear hearing loss due to in-service noise exposure. The appeals are not related to service connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for additional examinations.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for migraine headaches, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), carpal tunnel syndrome of the left upper extremity (LUE), and carpal tunnel syndrome of the right upper extremity due to new evidence received since the final denial in June 2015. The claims are remanded to obtain addendum opinions addressing the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities cause him to require the aid and attendance of another person, which grants special monthly compensation for regular aid and attendance.

The Board denied service connection for left knee, left hip, and left wrist disabilities due to a lack of evidence showing the conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded to obtain an assessment of the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability prior to March 18, 2019.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding when the Veteran became unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation and whether he needs aid and attendance of another person.

The Veteran's claims for cervical spine disorder, right wrist condition, and right RC condition have been denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between the current conditions and active service.,Service connection was not granted due to lack of in-service treatment or complaints related to these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to insufficient medical opinions regarding his claimed disabilities and their relationship to service.

The Board has determined that the remand instructions were not substantially complied with, and thus the claims for service connection are being returned to the RO for further development.

The Veteran's fibromyalgia and undifferentiated connective tissue disease are granted as service-connected. The left foot disability, right wrist disability, and arthralgia/myalgia disability are remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that there was not substantial compliance with the previous remand directives regarding the issues of entitlement to service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. The Veteran's claim is being remanded due to inadequate examination and failure to address his lay statements.