Wrist & hand decisions — 2024

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the submission of additional evidence after the SOC was issued. The claims for increased ratings will be reconsidered and a new SSOC will be provided.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased evaluation of eczema is dismissed. The Board grants service connection for a vestibular disorder secondary to sinusitis and stress urinary incontinence.,Service connection is granted for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (depression/anxiety) and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, but both issues are remanded.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable, with an average hearing acuity of Level I in both ears.,For the period prior to September 22, 2022, the Veteran's osteoarthritis of the right shoulder was not productive of limitation of motion or other impairment. After that date, it is rated as 40 percent disabling and above 40 percent thereafter.,The left wrist disorder did not manifest during service, is not otherwise etiologically related to service, arthritis did not manifest within one year of discharge, and is not caused by the Veteran's service-connected osteoarthritis. The acquired psychiatric disorder (Persistent Depressive Disorder) was also found not to be secondary to his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and/or tinnitus.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for musculoskeletal disabilities, including bilateral hips, knees and left wrist conditions. The VA medical opinions obtained following the July 2022 Board remand are inadequate and require further examination.

The Board previously denied the issues of service connection for a neck condition, carpal tunnel in both upper extremities, and residuals of TBI. The appeal is dismissed as moot.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development regarding his right wrist status post operative carpal tunnel release, right tibial neuropathy, and right eye conjunctivitis claims.

The Veteran's sleep apnea began during active service and is granted.,The Veteran has a current acquired psychiatric disorder, to include anxiety, depression, PTSD, and alcohol use disorder related to his in-service stressor. A VA examination is needed to assess whether the Veteran meets the diagnostic criteria for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional consideration, including a new examination to assess the Veteran's left wrist disability and determine the nature and etiology of his left knee disability. The Veteran is seeking service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and evaluations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent from May 31, 2012 for his service-connected left wrist disability due to limitation of motion (dorsiflexion less than 15 degrees) and pain. The maximum rating under Diagnostic Code 5215 was assigned.

The Veteran's chronic headaches have been rated at a maximum of 50 percent prior to October 27, 2020. The Board finds that the Veteran's symptoms are consistent with very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.,For the period from October 27, 2020, his chronic headaches do not warrant a disability rating in excess of the maximum 50 percent under DC 8100. The Veteran's erectile dysfunction and hypertension are currently being remanded for further examination.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeals for left wrist disability, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The Board has withdrawn these issues from consideration.

The Board has remanded several service connection claims due to the need for further development and evidence collection.

The Board has remanded the case for further examinations to determine the current nature and etiology of any claimed disabilities, including vasectomy residuals, dental issues, left ankle disability, right wrist disability, left wrist disability, right CTS, and left CTS.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left elbow condition, right wrist condition, and left wrist condition due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his active military service or any service-connected disabilities.

The appeals seeking increased ratings for the lumbar spine, skin disease, bilateral upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome, and bilateral lower extremity sciatic radulopathy are dismissed.,The appeal to reopen a claim of service connection for OSA is granted. Service connection for OSA is now established.,The appeal to reopen a claim of service connection for sinusitis is granted. Service connection for sinusitis is now established.

The Board has remanded the claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent for a right wrist scaphoid fracture and incomplete paralysis of the median nerve, as well as the claim for TDIU prior to November 5, 2013. The appeals are being returned due to the need for additional development regarding functional loss assessments.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's right wrist condition and its relationship to service, service-connected conditions, or overuse.

The Veteran's right wrist disability is currently rated at 10 percent, the maximum schedular rating for limited motion of the wrist. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted as there is no evidence of ankylosis or other symptoms not already contemplated by the rating criteria.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for endometriosis, wrist disability, gynecological disorder, and intestinal disorder has been reopened. The claims for wrist disability and intestinal disorder are remanded due to insufficient evidence linking the disabilities to service. Service connection for endometriosis is granted based on new evidence.