Wrist & hand decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, adjustment disorder is dismissed as it was granted in a previous decision. The issue of a higher rating for the left wrist condition and carpal tunnel syndrome is remanded.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to make an informed decision on the Veteran's claims, including obtaining outstanding medical records and VA treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his left wrist and forearm conditions was granted. He received a 20 percent rating for the left wrist condition, effective from September 26, 2008. The claim for a higher rating for the olecranon spur in the left forearm was denied.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for an increased rating for a left wrist disability and left wrist scars due to incomplete compliance with previous remands. The Veteran needs another VA examination to determine if numbness is part of his service-connected disabilities or a separate condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right wrist and forearm disabilities due to incomplete medical opinions regarding repetitive-use testing, functional equivalent of ankylosis, and the ameliorative effects of medication.

The Board has remanded the issues of entitlement to initial ratings in excess of 10 percent for right wrist, left knee, and jaw spasms disabilities due to outstanding VA treatment records and need for updated examinations.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of left carpal tunnel syndrome, right flat foot, and a left knee condition. The claim for reopening service connection for back/thoracic spine condition due to secondary service-connected cervical spine disability is remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of right hand carpal tunnel syndrome and PTSD for further examination and evaluation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions addressing the onset and relationship of his right wrist disability and skin condition to his military service, particularly regarding exposure to environmental hazards in Southwest Asia.

The Veteran's claim for an extension of the temporary total evaluation for convalescence due to partial revision left knee surgery beyond October 31, 2017 is denied.,The Veteran's claims for ratings in excess of 30 percent for his left and right knee disabilities are denied.,The Veteran's claim for a separate 10 percent rating for instability of the right knee from May 11, 2016 is granted.,The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with lumbosacral strain and spinal stenosis is denied.,The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity is denied.,The Veteran's claim for SMC based on housebound status, for periods other than September 12, 2017, to November 1, 2017, is denied.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain is granted a 40 percent rating from March 4, 2009 to November 24, 2019. The claims for service connection of vision problems, joint pain in bilateral wrists and hands, and stomach condition (gastric ulcer) are remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to address issues and VA representative withdrawal. The Veteran's cervical spine strain, left knee disability, right knee disability, right wrist carpal tunnel syndrome, bilateral pes planus, and vitamin D deficiency are all being reviewed.

The Board has determined that additional VA examinations are needed to evaluate the Veteran's service-connected cervical spine, left and right shoulder, left and right wrist, sinusitis, colon polyp, and skin disabilities due to their recent onset or lack of treatment records. The Veteran is also required to undergo an examination for his claimed low back disorder and bilateral hearing loss/tinnitus.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right hand (wrist injury) has been reopened and granted. The claims for left shin splint, left knee condition, and right shin splints are remanded for further examination and determination.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to assess the collective impact of her service-connected disabilities on her ability to work.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for his right wrist and elbow disabilities have been denied. The Veteran was granted staged ratings of 30 percent for limitation of flexion of the right elbow (dominant) effective August 29, 2020, and 30 percent for degenerative disease of the right elbow effective August 29, 2020.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for his right knee and right wrist disabilities were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 10 percent for either condition.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to the AOJ sending development letters to his former address. The AOJ needs to send these letters to his current address and ensure any supplemental statement of the case is sent there as well.

The Veteran's left wrist disability, including loss of use due to ankylosis and a ganglion cyst, is rated at 60 percent from March 26, 2019. The scar issue remains denied.

The Board denied service connection for a right index finger disorder and a right wrist disorder, finding that the evidence did not establish a nexus between these conditions and active duty service.