Wrist & hand decisions — 2024

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left wrist disability and OSA due to outstanding VA treatment records, incomplete service treatment and personnel records, and need for medical examinations.

The Veteran's left wrist ganglion cyst was initially rated noncompensable prior to January 4, 2021. Beginning on that date, a 10 percent rating is granted for the service-connected condition.,Headaches were denied as not meeting the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board has determined that the AOJ made a duty to assist error in denying service connection for right and left wrist disorders secondary to service-connected ulnar neuritis. The claims are being remanded to obtain an addendum medical opinion addressing whether the Veteran's wrist conditions were proximately caused or aggravated by her service-connected ulnar neuritis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current diagnoses of left and right wrists, left and right elbows, left and right knees, left and right shoulders, or neck disabilities. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board has remanded all of the Veteran's claims due to procedural errors and incomplete records, particularly regarding his service treatment records and potential military environmental exposures.

The Veteran was granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability effective November 27, 2016. She is also now in receipt of basic eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance from the same date.,An earlier effective date for both TDIU and DEA grants is not warranted as the evidence does not support an earlier disability onset or entitlement.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical spondylosis, left and right upper extremity radiculopathy, and carpal tunnel syndromes have been granted initial ratings from specific dates. The effective date for the award of a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) is set at August 30, 2005.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are remanded due to incomplete VA examinations, lack of flare-up information, and other procedural issues. The AOJ is instructed to obtain additional medical opinions and ensure all necessary records are obtained.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for left upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome, finding that the evidence supports a direct link between the condition and his active duty service.

The Veteran's attorney withdrew the appeal for a rating in excess of 10 percent for left wrist strain and osteoarthritis.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection for right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, and right wrist strain residuals.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is not service-connected as there was no in-service hearing impairment that resulted in a current disability.,The Veteran's chronic left and right foot pain are not service-connected due to the lack of evidence showing an in-service injury or event, and the absence of any post-service medical treatment for these conditions.

The Veteran's DIC claim under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 is denied because his PTSD was rated as 100% disabling for less than 10 years prior to death and he was not a former prisoner of war.,Service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death (intercerebral hemorrhage) is denied due to lack of evidence linking it to service-connected PTSD.

The Board has determined that the AOJ decision on appeal is not final due to procedural errors and requires further action, including a new underwriting numerical rating sheet.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for prostate cancer and bilateral wrist disability due to outstanding development. The Veteran's prostate cancer is not shown to have had its onset in service, and there is no evidence of a relationship between his current condition and service. For the bilateral wrist disability, the claim was also denied as there is no evidence of a relationship with service.

The Board has granted service connection for left and right upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome, finding that the Veteran's conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability prior to August 18, 2020, and from that date forward is dismissed.,The Veteran's petition to reopen the claim of service connection for a left wrist disability has been granted due to new evidence received since October 2005.,The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings for his right wrist median neuropathy and bilateral foot disabilities prior to August 18, 2020 is remanded.,The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings for his heel spurs of the left and right feet are remanded.,The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his bilateral flat foot disability from August 18, 2020 is remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case for an addendum opinion regarding the cause and aggravation of the Veteran's right wrist carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render her unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to March 14, 2017.

The Board has determined that new evidence was received after the February 2020 SOC and has not been considered by the AOJ. The claims for service connection are being remanded to allow the AOJ to review this additional evidence.