Wrist & hand Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for a migraine headache disability. However, the right wrist condition, bilateral shin splints, and breast pain disabilities are remanded due to functional impairment issues.

Service connection for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is granted. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss, fatigue, left shoulder pain, right wrist pain, esophageal reflux, sleep disturbances, headaches, lung condition, hypertension, and heart condition are denied. A rating in excess of 10 percent for a painful scar on the left knee and a compensable rating for non-painful scars on the left knee is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of an injury to the right-hand ulnar nerve distribution with CTS resulted in moderate incomplete paralysis of the median nerve, warranting a 50% rating. Service connection for cervical radiculopathy was denied as it is not related to his service-connected condition.

The Board dismissed the issue regarding the propriety of reducing ratings for bilateral wrist CTS. The Veteran's right shoulder condition was denied an increased rating, as there is no evidence of limitation of motion to 25 degrees from the side. The Veteran's right ankle DJD was also denied an increased rating due to lack of marked limitation of motion. The Veteran's right wrist CTS was denied increased ratings since April 1, 2014, and November 1, 2014.,The Board found no evidence of marked limitation of motion in the ankle or shoulder that would warrant a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for service connection for joint pain of the ankles, knees, lower legs, shoulders, arms, and wrists due to his failure to report for a necessary examination without good cause. The available evidence did not support a conclusion that these conditions were incurred in or related to active service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted as service connection is established due to in-service noise exposure.,The Veteran's TBI, migraine headache disorder, and left foot disability are remanded for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability. The claims of left foot fibroma, right foot fibroma (including postoperative residuals), right foot neuropathy secondary to removal of fibroma, right carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), and left CTS are remanded due to the need for further medical examination.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of increased ratings for wrist fractures and TDIU prior to July 28, 2021. The Veteran will be provided with a VA examination to assess neurological impairment associated with his wrist fractures.

The Veteran's representative withdrew all pending disability compensation claims and appeals, including those related to various conditions such as posterior fossa tumor ependymoma, left wrist neuropathy, cholecystitis and cholelithiasis, depressive disorder (combined with neurocognitive disorder), light-headedness, dizziness and/or vertigo, headaches, ankle sprains, scars of the head, cognitive disorder, voiding dysfunction, erectile dysfunction, and peripheral neuropathy. The appeal is dismissed as a result.

The Veteran's right wrist tendonitis, left shoulder strain with DJD, impingement, tendinopathy, and bursitis, and inguinal hernia were all found to be service-connected. The appeals for bilateral hearing loss and a left knee disorder are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for carpal tunnel syndrome and shin splints are remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's right wrist disability is remanded for a new examination to determine its current severity. The issue of entitlement to TDIU, which is inextricably intertwined with the rating claim, is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for obstructive sleep apnea and right and left upper extremity disabilities due to inadequate opinions regarding service connection, exposure basis, and rating assignment.

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

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, with the exception of asthma. The Board found that new and material evidence had been submitted to reopen the claim for asthma, and service connection was granted for obstructive sleep apnea. Other claims were remanded due to lack of STRs and Reserves records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient development and procedural errors, including failure to obtain service department records and private treatment records from Dr. H.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to missing service personnel records (SPRs). The claims will be reconsidered after obtaining the SPRs and additional medical opinions are provided.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an effective date earlier than May 31, 2018, for the award of service connection for residuals of a left elbow fracture and a left wrist disability due to procedural errors in the initial adjudication.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his psychiatric conditions and skin thinning, rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment prior to April 16, 2020. From that date onwards, he met the schedular requirements for TDIU.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for left knee disability, right hand condition, right shoulder disability, left shoulder disability, and left wrist disability due to inadequate examinations and failure to consider relevant medical literature.,The TDIU claim prior to February 26, 2021 is also remanded as it could significantly impact the other claims.