Wrist & hand decisions — 2026

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his neck, back, and right wrist disabilities have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, either alone or in combination, did not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment consistent with his education, training, and experience for the appeal period prior to May 4, 2015.

The Board denied service connection for lumbar spine, right wrist, right hip, left hip, and left knee disorders due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's active service.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on aid and attendance is granted from January 20, 2024. His bilateral carpal instability and right upper ulnar tunnel syndrome are rated at the maximum possible under VA regulations.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for generalized anxiety disorder is dismissed. The appeals for COPD, lumbosacral strain, non-allergic rhinitis, left wrist sprain, and left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve are denied. Service connection requests for CFS, chronic sinusitis, and sleep apnea are also denied.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and tinnitus have been granted. The claim for bilateral hearing loss has been denied, as the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a disability under VA regulations. The claims for neck and back disabilities are remanded due to a lack of a VA examination.

The Veteran's application for PCAFC was denied due to a lack of personal care services. The Board finds the CEAT review inadequate and remands for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to inadequate medical opinions provided by VA, which failed to address the Veteran's lay statements regarding his symptoms and injuries in service. The claims for left wrist condition including fracture, left ankle condition, right ankle condition, obstructive sleep apnea, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and residuals of prostate cancer are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for left wrist tendinopathy, right carpal tunnel syndrome and right carpal instability (intercalated segment/midcarpal/scapholunate (dissociation)), and a right hand condition all on the merits.

The Board denied service connection for left knee, right wrist, and right shoulder disabilities as there is no evidence of current disability during or recent to the filing of the claim.

The Veteran withdrew all his appeals seeking service connection for various disabilities, and the Board dismissed the appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have caused him to be in need of regular aid and attendance, which has been granted for special monthly compensation (SMC).

The Veteran's claim for SMC at the intermediate rate based on need for aid and attendance with additional service-connected disabilities combining to 50 percent or more is granted. The claims for higher rates of SMC, total schedular ratings for loss of use of both hands and feet are remanded due to inadequate VA examinations.

The Veteran's left wrist sprain and osteoarthritis are currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted due to lack of ankylosis or other factors.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right knee and left wrist disabilities due to new evidence being received.

The Board has granted clothing allowances for the right and left knee braces, but denied the request for a wrist brace due to lack of service-connected condition.

The Board has denied service connection for multiple conditions including right elbow, right hand fingers, left shin splints, left shoulder, right wrist, and right shoulder conditions as there is no persuasive evidence of current disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of left wrist or left ankle conditions, and thus service connection for these conditions is denied.,VA examinations in September 2019 found no evidence of lower back or knee conditions related to service. The VA examiner's opinions are deemed inadequate due to an inaccurate factual premise regarding parachute jumps.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of left wrist or left ankle conditions, and thus service connection for these conditions is denied.,VA examinations in September 2019 found no evidence of lower back or knee conditions related to service. The VA examiner's opinions are deemed inadequate due to an inaccurate factual premise regarding parachute jumps.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and an acquired psychiatric disorder have been dismissed.,The Veteran's appeals for service connection for migraines, a right wrist disability, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are remanded.