Wrist & hand decisions — 2024

The Veteran's left wrist strain is currently rated at 10 percent, the maximum available under Diagnostic Code 5215. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted as there is no evidence of ankylosis or other factors that would justify such a rating.,Left wrist scars are not painful or unstable and do not affect a large enough area to warrant a compensable rating.

The Veteran's claims for TDIU, DEA benefits, and SMC based on housebound status were denied as the evidence did not show that his service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to January 9, 2014.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection due to alleged asbestos exposure and other medical conditions, including allergic rhinitis, sleep disorder, left wrist condition, sinusitis, and gastrointestinal issues. The VA must obtain adequate examinations and opinions regarding these claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to his failure to report for scheduled VA examinations. The appeals will be adjudicated based on the evidence of record, which could include denial of the benefits sought.

The Board denied service connection for right and left wrist disabilities due to the Veteran's failure to appear for a scheduled VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a spine disability (claimed as degeneration of intervertebral disc ICD-9-CM 722.6) is denied due to lack of new and relevant evidence.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for right forearm tendonitis is granted based on the presence of current symptoms related to her service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's left upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome is granted as service connected because the onset of symptoms was coincident with his active duty service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is caused by his service-connected disabilities, including lumbosacral strain, bilateral plantar fasciitis with calcaneal spurs, chronic fatigue syndrome, and other conditions. As such, the claim for service connection for OSA is granted.

The Board has restored service connection for left wrist scar and denied entitlement to a compensable rating for post-traumatic arthritis s/p left ring finger fracture. Service connection for mitral valve prolapse, heart murmur is remanded.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and remanded the claims of infundibular scrotal cysts and neck strain due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is granted as secondary to his service-connected disabilities, including bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, left ankle degenerative arthritis, and a left hip condition.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD, TBI, tension headaches, a lumbar spine compression fracture, a right elbow fracture, scars of the right forearm, neuropathy of the right upper extremity, a right wrist fracture, and tinnitus previously found to be service connected for treatment purposes only is dismissed. Service connection for a right knee disability is granted.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed due to the withdrawal of his appeal by his authorized representative.

Service connection is granted for rib disability (costochondritis), neck disability with pain and limitation of motion, cubital tunnel syndrome of the left upper extremity, bilateral elbow and wrist disabilities, left hip disability secondary to service-connected inguinal hernia, and bilateral ankle disabilities.,An initial 20 percent rating is granted for costochondritis, a separate 20 percent rating is granted for a left knee disability with recurrent swelling, and ratings in excess of 20 percent are denied for shoulder disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions are being remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability and RUE neuropathy have been granted service connection, effective May 12, 2015.

The Board has remanded the appellant's claims due to outstanding relevant treatment records and deficiencies in prior medical opinions. The AOJ is instructed to obtain additional evidence, including private treatment records, and seek a VA clinician's opinion on service connection for CTS and the severity of his lumbar spine disability with radiculopathy.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome and bilateral numbness and tingling in her hands and wrists require further examination to determine if these conditions are related to her military service.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development, including obtaining proper authorizations for private treatment records and providing a new medical opinion regarding the Veteran's wrist disability. The claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, ruptured eardrum, back disability, right knee disability, gout and/or pseudogout/CPPD, left foot disability, osteophytosis of the thumb/metacarpal surgery, wrist disability, eye/vision disability, and obstructive sleep apnea are also remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and inadequate examination, requiring further development of the record and a new medical opinion.