Wrist & hand decisions — 2023

The Veteran's left carpal tunnel syndrome and cubital tunnel syndrome have been granted increased evaluations, with the left carpal tunnel syndrome receiving a rating of 30 percent effective August 8, 2022.

The Veteran's sinusitis claim has been granted with a 10% evaluation, but no higher. The right and left upper extremity disorders claims are still pending and need further development.,For the right and left upper extremity disorders, VA needs to provide additional medical opinions addressing whether these conditions are related to service.

The Board has determined that the reduction of the disability evaluation from 40 to 20 percent for lumbar strain with IVDS was improper and has granted restoration of a 40 percent rating. The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lumbar strain with IVDS and right wrist sprain are remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's left hand numbness, including whether it is related to herbicide exposure or diabetes mellitus.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, finding that the Veteran's symptoms began during his military service and are related to his MOS duties. The decision resolves all doubts in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's left knee disability is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds no basis to grant a higher rating.,The effective date for the 10 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected left knee condition remains April 10, 2017.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee pain, right wrist condition, and right shoulder pain. The Veteran's current disabilities are related to his active-duty service.,All issues on appeal have been resolved in the Veteran's favor.

The Board has remanded several service connection claims due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions.

The Board denied compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for left complex regional pain syndrome, left arm numbness and pain, and a scar of the left wrist as a result of VA care involving these conditions.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to inadequate etiology opinions. The Veteran's left wrist and left knee disabilities are being reviewed again to determine if they are related to his service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral shin splints, low back disability, right carpal tunnel syndrome, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), finding that there is no evidence of these conditions during or within one year after her active service. The Board also found that any current diagnoses are not related to the Veteran's in-service exposure to particulate matter due to her service in Southwest Asia.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination findings regarding the Veteran's left wrist ganglion cyst and her contentions of temporary paralysis.

The Veteran's appeals for initial ratings on several service-connected conditions have been dismissed due to her withdrawal of the appeals.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased rating and entitlement to TDIU due to deficiencies in the VA examination provided. The Veteran needs to provide updated treatment records, undergo a VA examination, and have their service-connected conditions evaluated.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a 100% rating for the period prior to April 12, 2017. The issue of TDIU for the period prior to February 12, 2016 is dismissed as moot due to his concurrent TDIU award based on PTSD. SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s) was denied for the period prior to July 27, 2016.

The Veteran's left-hand disability, including nerve damage and carpal tunnel syndrome aggravation, is rated at 20 percent. The Board found that the symptoms did not more nearly approximate severe incomplete paralysis.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the eligibility criteria for financial assistance in acquiring an automobile or other conveyance or special adaptive equipment due to his physical limitations and inability to use limbs effectively.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left wrist and thumb disabilities, as well as his claim for TDIU due to the need for new VA examinations.

The Veteran's left wrist degenerative joint disease has worsened since his last VA examination, and the Board finds a remand necessary to afford him new VA examinations.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for chronic bronchitis is denied. The initial ratings for PTSD are granted at 70 percent since July 18, 2013 and the TDIU claim is granted effective July 18, 2013. Other service connection claims are remanded.