Wrist & hand decisions — 2023

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, CAD, GERD, bilateral CTS, knee osteoarthritis, shoulder strain, lumbar spine disability, OSA, and skin disorder.,No new evidence or changes in the Veteran's conditions were presented to support these claims.

The Veteran's migraine headaches and related disabilities were granted a higher rating from April 13, 2016. A TDIU was also granted for the same period due to her service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings was denied. The left wrist sprain and ulnar neuropathy were rated at the maximum allowable under VA regulations, with no higher rating granted.

The Veteran's left wrist disability, sinusitis, and otitis externa were all granted service connection as direct service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded several issues, including service connection for right wrist disorder and total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, but remanded to obtain a VA examination and provide an opinion on the etiology of his condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded to the AOJ for additional development of evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left hand carpal tunnel syndrome is service-connected as secondary to his service-connected cervical spine disability with left upper extremity residuals.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various foot, knee, and shoulder disabilities are being remanded due to insufficient examination reports. The examiner failed to provide a clear opinion regarding the etiology of his conditions and did not address all relevant issues.

For the period prior to May 6, 2022, an initial evaluation of 40 percent for lumbar DDD was granted.,The appeal regarding right wrist and right ankle disabilities is remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine condition, but denied service connection for all other claimed conditions.,The Veteran's current lumbar spine condition is considered to be related to his active-duty service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right wrist disability, low back disability other than lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease, and stomach disability other than chronic constipation and hemorrhoids.,There is no evidence of record showing that any of these conditions began during or are otherwise related to active service.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection of a left wrist condition due to inadequate compliance with prior remand directives.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petitions to reopen his claims for service connection for lower back disability and left and right wrist disabilities. The case is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various hand, wrist, and knee conditions are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the relationship between her current diagnoses and her military service.

The Veteran's right wrist arthritis resulted in a disability rating of 30 percent from August 16, 2009 to April 14, 2011 and was increased to 70 percent beginning on April 14, 2011. He is also granted TDIU for the periods specified.

The Board has denied service connection for Obstructive Sleep Apnea due to lack of evidence linking the condition to service. The Board also remanded the issue of service connection for Left Wrist Disorder, requesting additional development and a medical opinion.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for a left wrist condition, including a left wrist ganglion cyst, due to insufficient medical opinions addressing the onset and etiology of the Veteran's condition.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise that symptoms of the condition had onset during and have been continuous since the Veteran's period of active service.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings for degenerative disc disease of thoracolumbar spine, carpal tunnel syndrome of the right upper extremity, and eczema of bilateral ears. The Veteran's migraine headaches are granted a rating of 30% effective May 8, 2014.