Wrist & hand decisions — 2023

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for right carpal tunnel syndrome, finding that it is at least as likely as not incurred in service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a left hand/wrist disability and an increased rating for congestive heart failure were denied. The Veteran was granted a 100% disability rating for congestive heart failure from July 15, 2022.

The Board has granted service connection for left wrist pain, finding that the Veteran's current symptoms are related to an in-service injury and granting the benefit of doubt.

The claim of entitlement to service connection for a back disorder is remanded. The appeal for bilateral hearing loss and right wrist disability rating higher than 10 percent is also remanded.

The Veteran's claim for a rating greater than 10 percent for right carpal tunnel syndrome is remanded due to the addition of new VA treatment records. The TDIU claim remains pending and will be readjudicated after all evidence has been considered.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus, type 2 and right wrist disability due to insufficient development of evidence regarding exposure to herbicide agents and service connection.

The Board denied compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for a right wrist disability, including carpal tunnel syndrome, finding that the Veteran's condition was not caused by VA negligence or fault.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a need for another VA examination and to consider secondary service connection claims. The Veteran's condition of residuals injury right hand ulnar distribution is being reviewed, along with his complex regional pain syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome, and cervical radiculopathy.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations, particularly regarding TBI-related disabilities.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal before the Board could make a decision on his claims for service connection.

The Veteran's RUE radiculopathy with right-hand CTS was granted a rating of 40 percent, effective September 21, 2012.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU.

The Veteran's right wrist disability is rated at 30 percent, effective April 1, 2018. The Board found that the Veteran's pain approximated favorable ankylosis of the right wrist.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to inconsistencies in medical opinions regarding the Veteran's right knee disability, carpal tunnel syndrome of the bilateral wrist, and right ring finger. The VA is required to provide a new examination and obtain nexus opinions.

The Board found no evidence of the claimed disabilities during service or within one year post-service, and thus denied all claims for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's arthritis of the left hand, ganglion cyst of the left wrist, and left wrist disability did not first manifest during service or within a presumptive period, continuity of symptomatology is not established, and there is no medical evidence linking these conditions to service. As such, service connection for these disabilities has been denied.

The Board has granted service connection for sinusitis, right knee disability, left knee disability, right shoulder disability, right wrist disability, and right hand disability. Service connection was denied for the right elbow disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151, TDIU, and SMC based on the need of regular aid and attendance are remanded due to insufficient opinions regarding the Veteran's right wrist disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome, finding that there was no evidence of a disease or injury during active duty that caused his current condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for left thumb, left wrist, head injury, and skin rash disabilities due to a lack of adequate development.