Wrist & hand decisions — 2024

The Veteran's appeals for initial ratings on GERD and a right shoulder disability, as well as the denials of service connection for alopecia, bronchitis, left elbow disability, right elbow disability, lentigo, sinusitis, bilateral hearing loss, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) have been dismissed due to his withdrawal during a hearing before the undersigned. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) has been granted.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, right and left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve, left carpal tunnel syndrome, temporomandibular joint disorder, allergic rhinitis, and left testis mass have been granted initial evaluations. The lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent from December 20, 2023, with a 10 percent evaluation for right lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve and left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve effective since December 20, 2023. The Veteran's allergic rhinitis is rated at 10 percent from December 20, 2023, with a non-compensable evaluation for left testis mass.

The Veteran's PTSD, lumbar spine disability, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, cervical spine disability, and left knee disability are all granted. The effective dates for these grants are the date of claim (April 9, 2014 for PTSD, May 20, 2015 for other disabilities).

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for right knee arthritis with meniscal tear prior to January 9, 2019 and after March 1, 2019 is remanded. The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for left knee replacement scar is also remanded. The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for left knee arthritis (status post replacement) is also remanded.,The Veteran seeks service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, which the RO denied as not shown to be related to service. The issue is being remanded due to new and material evidence having been received.,The Veteran's claim for pulmonary sarcoidosis is being remanded due to possible exposure to asbestos and contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.,The Veteran seeks service connection for a right elbow disability, which the RO denied as not related to service. The issue is being remanded due to possible exposure to hazardous chemicals in service.,The Veteran seeks service connection for a right wrist disability, which the RO denied as not related to service. The issue is being remanded due to possible exposure to hazardous chemicals in service.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to his failure to attend VA examinations. The Veteran provided good cause for missing the initial examinations, and he is being asked to undergo new VA examinations.

The Board has remanded four claims: right knee disorder, left knee instability (separate from the already service-connected left knee disability), carpal tunnel syndrome of the right wrist, and carpal tunnel syndrome of the left wrist. The Veteran's reports about her in-service injuries and symptoms are being evaluated to determine if they align with how the currently diagnosed disabilities are known to develop.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for right hand tendonitis with limited motion of the thumb was denied as there is no evidence of a gap greater than two inches between the thumb pad and the fingers, which would warrant a higher rating.,The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for right hand tendonitis with limited motion of the ring finger was denied because he is already in receipt of the maximum schedular disability rating for this condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for various joint disabilities prior to September 27, 2002 due to a need for further development and medical opinions.

The Board has granted service connection for right hand and left hand carpal tunnel syndrome, attributing the condition to the Veteran's active military service.

The Veteran's left wrist disability is not rated higher than 10 percent due to lack of ankylosis or other compensable conditions. The current rating adequately reflects the Veteran's symptoms and functional limitations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need to verify her periods of active duty and ADT, obtain an addendum opinion regarding her cervical spine disability, and provide information about the qualifications of a VA examiner.

The application to reopen the claims of entitlement to service connection for a skin condition (claimed as acne) and left wrist ganglion cyst is denied.,Entitlement to service connection for PTSD, an acquired mental disorder other than PTSD, and fatigue are all denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete information on unreimbursed medical expenses and the need for a VA examination to assess the Veteran's physical and mental conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU on an extraschedular basis.

The Veteran's low back disability is granted as service connected. The issues of entitlement to service connection for neck, bilateral hip, left knee, right knee, bilateral ankle, bilateral feet and toes, bilateral shoulder, bilateral wrist, and left hand pointer finger disabilities are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left knee condition, which is claimed as chondromalacia and tendonitis. The decision also remanded several other issues related to ankle injuries and a right thumb condition.

The Veteran was granted TDIU for the period between February 21, 2013, to May 15, 2014.,TDIU was denied for the period from May 16, 2014, to August 31, 2020. The Veteran's combined rating at this time did not meet the criteria for TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for nerve damage and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities prior to June 21, 2017.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection related to asbestos exposure, hearing loss disabilities, and a right knee disability are remanded due to insufficient evidence. The cervical spine and wrist nerve disabilities remain under consideration.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities due to insufficient reasons or bases in the previous decision. The VA examiner did not adequately address the Veteran's lay statements about his symptoms during service.