Wrist & hand decisions — 2024

The Board has decided to remand the cases for additional development due to a duty-to-assist error. The Veteran's service connection claims for carpal tunnel syndrome are being reviewed.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including her acquired psychiatric disorder and multiple joint issues, require regular aid and attendance of another person. The Board has granted special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a rating greater than 10 percent prior to April 23, 2022 and from April 23, 2022 for residuals of median nerve injury of the right wrist due to outstanding treatment records being needed.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between the conditions and service or any service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal regarding service connection for various disabilities and an increased rating for WPWS was dismissed due to untimely filing of the VA Form 10182.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension, lumbar strain, left wrist condition, and right hand tendinopathy due to insufficient evidence in some cases.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for all listed conditions and the 10 percent evaluation based on multiple, non-compensable service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeals for reductions in the evaluations of his left wrist and shoulder disabilities, as well as PTSD, are granted. The evaluations have been restored.

The Veteran's SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance was denied because he did not meet the criteria of needing regular aid and assistance due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's somatic symptom disorder, radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities, tinnitus, allergic rhinitis (claimed as sinus condition), carpal tunnel syndrome of the right upper extremity, gastroenteritis, hemorrhoids, iliopsoas tendinitis of the right hip, irritable bowel syndrome, left ankle condition, left flatfoot, left knee condition, right ankle condition, right flatfoot, right knee, sleep apnea, and varicose veins of both lower extremities are all granted.,The Veteran's service connection claims for allergic rhinitis (claimed as sinus condition), carpal tunnel syndrome of the right upper extremity, gastroenteritis, hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome, obstructive sleep apnea, and varicose veins of both lower extremities are remanded.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the appellant's service connection claims due to insufficient evidence. The initial rating for tinnitus remains denied, and the left elbow contusion is rated as noncompensable. Right wrist sprain also remains denied. Service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis, left knee tendonitis, and lumbosacral strain are remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and service connection claims have been remanded due to the need for further examination or evidence in several cases. The left knee strain claim remains denied, as does all other individual conditions except for those related to service connection.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to July 26, 2018 is being remanded due to insufficient evidence meeting the criteria under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(a) and because there is reasonable possibility that he was unemployable by reason of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for gout and carpal tunnel syndrome, finding that these conditions were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The claims were remanded multiple times but ultimately granted on other issues.

The Veteran's left wrist fracture residuals are rated at 10 percent, but the Board finds that there is no legal basis to award a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.,The Veteran's hemorrhoids are currently rated as noncompensable. The Board notes that the current version of the rating criteria may not be applied until March 20, 2024.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations provided for these claims are inadequate and remands them to obtain new evaluations. The Veteran's right knee conditions, including meniscal tear with degenerative arthritis and instability, as well as his right wrist sprain with nonunion of styloid process fracture and left wrist sprain with post-traumatic arthritis, require further assessment.

The Veteran's claims for Athlete's foot, bilateral hearing loss (BHL), and bilateral tinnitus were denied. The claim for acne scars was granted.

The Board has found that the Veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome and acquired psychiatric disorder (major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder) are related to his military service. The claims have been remanded for further development including a VA examination.

The Veteran's right wrist sprain and left knee femoropatellar and medial joint arthrosis have been granted service connection.,An effective date of February 8, 2019, has been assigned for the grant of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea.

The Veteran's left wrist disability is currently rated at 10 percent disabling, effective August 22, 2022. The appeal is remanded for further development.