Wrist & hand decisions — 2023

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development regarding his right shoulder strain and depression claims.,His right wrist fracture disability remains rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran was granted an effective date of July 14, 2017, for the grant of service connection for radiculopathy, left lower extremity. However, he was denied a request for an earlier effective date.,For his right wrist scaphoid fracture, the Veteran's claim for a higher rating was granted on August 24, 2017, but it was determined that the increase in severity did not occur prior to this date.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left ankle, throat (dysphagia), and right wrist disabilities due to a lack of persuasive evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board denied his claim for total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has granted service connection for a right shoulder disability, right carpal tunnel syndrome, and left carpal tunnel syndrome. The decision is based on the Veteran's in-service onset of symptoms and continued presence of these conditions since separation from active duty.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prior to October 12, 2013 prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development, including service connection claims for various conditions. The Veteran's hearing loss in the right ear does not meet VA criteria for a disability, thus denying service connection for that condition.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for a VA examination and medical opinion regarding the Veteran's bilateral wrist disorders, including carpal tunnel syndrome. The examiner is asked to determine if these conditions began in or are otherwise related to military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The lumbar strain rating was granted at 40 percent prior to February 26, 2018, but not higher. The shin splints of the left leg rating was denied. Other conditions like bilateral hearing loss, carpal tunnel syndrome, scars, and cellulitis also had their claims denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate VA examinations and insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of his neck, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, and back disabilities. The Veteran is also being asked to provide additional information about flareups and repeated use over time.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left wrist scar is not related to his military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD is denied a rating in excess of 50 percent. Ratings for left and right knee conditions are granted, but not in excess of the current assigned ratings. Service connection is established for headaches, residuals from carpal tunnel release on the right wrist, and right wrist scar.

The Veteran's claims for fibromyalgia, PTSD, and acquired psychiatric disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence. The right wrist, left wrist, right arm, and left arm disability claims are also being remanded.,Veteran's service connection claims have been reopened but denied on the merits.

The Veteran's left wrist and right fourth finger scars were granted initial disability ratings of 10 percent each, effective as of the date of the decision.

The Veteran's headaches are part of his service-connected undiagnosed illness/chronic fatigue syndrome and cannot be separated as a separate disability.,Bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome is not related to the Veteran's service-connected undiagnosed illness/chronic fatigue syndrome, but rather is a separate condition that requires further examination for etiology.,The Veteran's back condition may be related to his military service and cumulative parachute jumps, but needs further examination to determine its etiology.,Service connection for a sleep disorder cannot be established without evidence linking the condition to the Veteran's military service. The Veteran's conceded noise exposure is also relevant.,Bilateral hearing loss requires further examination due to the Veteran's conceded noise exposure in service.,The right eye condition may be related to the Veteran's military service, particularly his conceded toxic exposure from Gulf War service.,Service connection for GERD and hiatal hernia cannot be established without evidence linking the conditions to the Veteran's military service.

The Board has determined that the VA medical opinions obtained in connection with the August 2019 remand directives are inadequate and requires further development. The claims for right fifth toe disability, left wrist disability, and back disability are being remanded to obtain new VA medical opinions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination and incomplete medical records. The Veteran's representative argues that all current residuals of his left wrist condition should be considered service-connected, but this needs further clarification and evidence.

The Veteran withdrew her appeal for an initial rating greater than 10 percent for carpal tunnel left upper extremity.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, headaches, low back pain, and multiple musculoskeletal conditions, prevent him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment. Service connection for bilateral upper extremity numbness and tingling is denied as not related to service.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various disabilities, including bilateral foot, wrist, ankle, knee, groin injury with residual erectile dysfunction, TBI with headaches, lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, and bilateral hearing loss disability, have been denied as the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated during active duty service.