Wrist & hand decisions — 2023

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment prior to May 13, 2008.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome does not meet or approximate criteria for a higher rating, as the symptoms do not warrant ratings in excess of 40 percent for right carpal tunnel syndrome with ulnar involvement and in excess of 30 percent for left carpal tunnel syndrome with left ulnar neuropathy.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a left wrist disorder, finding that there was no evidence linking his current condition to his military service or any service-connected disability.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinion and outstanding VA treatment records. The Veteran's bilateral CTS is being reviewed again for a proper determination of its etiology.

The Veteran's right wrist disability claim is remanded due to the need for a new examination.,The Veteran's PTSD and sleep disorder claims are remanded as they may be related to service or her right wrist disability.,The Veteran's exposure to generator gas fumes claim is remanded to determine if there is a qualifying chronic disability.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various conditions, including a lumbar spine disability, neck disability, and foot disability. The VA is directed to obtain medical opinions regarding these claims.

The Veteran's appeals for various conditions have been dismissed due to the Veteran expressing an intent to withdraw all of his remaining claims and appeals prior to a decision.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right CTS, a compensable rating for tension headaches, and ratings in excess of the current ones for her knee disabilities are remanded due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's right wrist carpal tunnel syndrome is rated at 30 percent prior to November 3, 2015.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty to assist error, specifically regarding Social Security Administration (SSA) records. The Veteran is in receipt of SSA disability benefits for his right hand disability.

Service connection for left hand disability is granted, and the effective date of service connection for left knee mild osteoarthritis and right wrist tendonitis is set at May 20, 2015.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability, bilateral knee disability, and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome due to lack of evidence showing these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.,No compensable rating was granted for hearing loss prior to September 3, 2020, from September 3, 2020, to May 20, 2021, and thereafter.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a pulmonary disorder, cervical spine disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The appeal regarding residuals of right wrist injury/surgery is REMANDED.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for his right wrist disability and SMC based on the need for aid and attendance was denied. The Board found that the current 10 percent rating adequately reflects the Veteran's symptoms, including pain, weakness, and limitation of motion.

The Veteran's claims for right knee strain and left foot strain have been granted, but the Board finds that an earlier effective date is not warranted.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left leg nervous disability was denied as there is no evidence of record to support this condition.

The Board has remanded the claim for entitlement to compensation under 38 U.S.C. §1151 due to lack of substantial compliance with previous remand directives.

The Board has remanded the cases for further examination and opinion regarding service connection for right and left wrist disabilities, as there are gaps in medical records from National Guard service.

The Board has determined that the procedural errors in this case have resulted in a remand for issuance of a Statement of the Case regarding the denial of service connection for left wrist condition.

The Veteran's gout of the bilateral feet, ankles, knees, toes, elbows, hands and wrists is rated at 100 percent throughout the appeal period.,The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 50 percent throughout the appeal period.

The Board has granted service connection for left wrist tendonitis. The claims for hemorrhoids and right thumb disability are remanded.