Wrist & hand decisions — 2024

The Veteran's right wrist disability is granted service connection on a presumptive basis. The bilateral feet and nose disabilities are remanded for further examination, and the hearing loss of the right ear has been granted an initial compensable rating.

The Board denied service connection for right and left carpal tunnel syndrome, finding no in-service injury or disease related to these conditions.,Right and left lower extremity radiculopathy disabilities were granted increased disability ratings of 40 percent each from January 28, 2021.

The Veteran's left knee disability is granted as service connected, and the issues of right wrist, left wrist, and right knee disabilities are remanded for further examination.

The Veteran is unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment due to her service-connected disabilities, including anxiety and depressive disorder, lumbosacral strain, right carpal tunnel syndrome, and allergic rhinitis.

The Veteran's sleep condition is not supported by current medical evidence.,There is no evidence of a left wrist or right wrist condition during service, and the conditions are not related to service.,There is no evidence of a right shoulder condition during service, and it is not related to service.,Parkinson's Disease with dystonia is not supported by current medical evidence.,Headaches are not supported by current medical evidence.,The Veteran has bilateral hip arthritis and degenerative arthritis of the left glenohumeral joint, which may be related to service. However, there is no direct evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's right wrist osteoarthritis and right little finger fracture are rated at the maximum allowed under VA rating criteria, with no higher ratings available.,The Veteran's 5th metacarpal fracture is currently rated as noncompensable due to lack of ankylosis or other compensable factors. The Veteran's migraines remain rated at 50 percent, which is the highest possible rating under VA regulations.,The Board has remanded the claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU), as this issue was not fully adjudicated in the initial decision.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left shoulder and left wrist disorders due to lack of new and relevant evidence, as all submitted evidence was previously part of the record.

The Veteran's ankle, wrist, bowel, and urinary issues are being remanded for further development to determine the current severity of his service-connected disabilities and their etiology.

The Veteran's service-connected disorders, including lumbar spine DJD and bilateral knee DJD, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since May 12, 2006. Effective dates for TDIU and DEA are granted as of that date.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right wrist pain had its onset during active duty service and continues to persist, granting his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was rated as noncompensable, and the appeal for an increased rating is denied.,There is no current diagnosis of hepatitis C during the appeal period, and service connection for this condition is not granted.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for right elbow disability, bilateral foot disability, and bilateral wrist disability due to inadequate VA medical opinions. The AOJ must obtain new opinions from suitably qualified clinicians to address the nature and etiology of these disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeals.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine disorder, headaches, and bilateral upper extremity carpal tunnel are being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been granted service connection, with the Board finding that there is at least as much evidence to support these conditions being related to his military service. The Veteran's headaches, left elbow disability, left wrist disability, left hip disability, right hip disability, left knee disability, cervical spine disability, and lumbosacral spine disability have been remanded for further review.,The Board has found that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service. The Veteran's headaches, left elbow disability, left wrist disability, left hip disability, right hip disability, left knee disability, cervical spine disability, and lumbosacral spine disability have been remanded for further review.

The Veteran's right wrist disability is rated at 30 percent, but no higher. The claims for service connection of the respiratory condition, acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral foot disorders are remanded.

The Veteran's right wrist disability is being remanded for a more detailed examination to determine the current severity of his condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from caring for himself and protecting himself, requiring regular aid and attendance. The Board has granted special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The appeal for service connection on five conditions (PTSD, removal of lesion, right carpal tunnel syndrome, right foot condition, and ringing in ears) is dismissed due to the appellant's concurrent election of a review option.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are remanded due to insufficient evidence or need for additional development.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for left wrist and shoulder disabilities, as well as an increased rating for a right wrist disability due to incomplete medical opinions and lack of consideration of all evidence.