Wrist & hand Board decisions

The veteran's service-connected disabilities meet the percentage criteria for a TDIU because he has two or more service-connected disabilities with one disability rated at 40 percent or higher and a combined rating of 70 percent or higher. The Board also determined that the veteran is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected PTSD and right wrist disabilities.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a chronic disability manifested by hypersensitivity, joint pain, bilateral knee degenerative joint disease, left knee instability, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, or swelling of the hands, fingers, legs, and feet, including as due to an undiagnosed illness. The claims are therefore denied.

The veteran's claimed conditions, including bilateral foot pain, right and left carpal tunnel syndrome, stomach ulcers, gastrointestinal reflux disease, erectile dysfunction, chronic sinusitis, lipomatous lesion of the left shoulder, benign prostatic hypertrophy, tinnitus, depressive disorder, and hypertension, have been evaluated. The veteran does not meet the criteria for a combined 100 percent schedular rating under the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities. Therefore, his claim for permanent and total disability rating for VA non-service-connected pension purposes has been denied.

The Board has granted a 20 percent evaluation for the veteran's left wrist disability and denied any increase in rating for alopecia.

The Board found that the veteran's residuals of a right hand crush injury do not manifest arthritis, and therefore denied entitlement to a separate rating for arthritis of the right hand and wrist.

The veteran has withdrawn all her appeals, including those for various disabilities and service connection claims.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's left wrist disability as secondary to his service-connected right knee disability, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the veteran.

The Board denied service connection for multiple joint arthritides, finding that the veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service. The initial evaluation of the right wrist fracture was also denied.

The veteran's claim for nonservice-connected pension benefits is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining clinical records and scheduling an examination to determine if the veteran's current tuberculosis or its residuals are related to service.

The veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome is being remanded due to the need for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board denied service connection for Lyme disease, joint pains of the hands, wrists, elbows, right shoulder, and weakness of the legs. The veteran's claims were not supported by competent medical evidence showing a current disability or a link to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected disabilities have been denied as there is no evidence of nonunion, ankylosis, or significant loss of motion in any of the conditions at issue.

The veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for her left wrist fracture and did not reopen her previously denied service connection claims for left knee and cervical spine disabilities.

The veteran's service-connected left wrist disability, characterized by painful and limited motion with some weakness of the wrist, does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome is related to service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that there is no current evidence of a bilateral wrist disability, low back disorder, or neck pain. The veteran's claims for these conditions are denied as not well-grounded at the time of initial denial.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension by reason of regular aid and attendance or being housebound was denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit.

The Board has determined that there is no current disability associated with the veteran's claimed left elbow, shoulder, and wrist injuries. As such, service connection for these conditions cannot be established.