Wrist & hand Board decisions

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral elbow, wrist, and ankle disabilities due to insufficient medical evidence on file. The Veteran is a combat veteran who reported in-service injuries that may have caused his current disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for his right-wrist disorder, based on limitation of motion, was denied by the Board. The highest schedular rating under applicable criteria has been assigned.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation since February 24, 2014. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted effective February 24, 2014.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to outstanding VA medical records and a need for further development, including potential new examinations or opinions.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to insufficient evidence and need for updated examinations. Effective dates have not been assigned.

The Veteran's left carpal tunnel syndrome and cubital tunnel syndrome have been granted increased evaluations, with the left carpal tunnel syndrome receiving a rating of 30 percent effective August 8, 2022.

The Veteran's sinusitis claim has been granted with a 10% evaluation, but no higher. The right and left upper extremity disorders claims are still pending and need further development.,For the right and left upper extremity disorders, VA needs to provide additional medical opinions addressing whether these conditions are related to service.

The Board has determined that the reduction of the disability evaluation from 40 to 20 percent for lumbar strain with IVDS was improper and has granted restoration of a 40 percent rating. The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lumbar strain with IVDS and right wrist sprain are remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's left hand numbness, including whether it is related to herbicide exposure or diabetes mellitus.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, finding that the Veteran's symptoms began during his military service and are related to his MOS duties. The decision resolves all doubts in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's left knee disability is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds no basis to grant a higher rating.,The effective date for the 10 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected left knee condition remains April 10, 2017.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee pain, right wrist condition, and right shoulder pain. The Veteran's current disabilities are related to his active-duty service.,All issues on appeal have been resolved in the Veteran's favor.

The Board has remanded several service connection claims due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions.

The Board denied compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for left complex regional pain syndrome, left arm numbness and pain, and a scar of the left wrist as a result of VA care involving these conditions.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to inadequate etiology opinions. The Veteran's left wrist and left knee disabilities are being reviewed again to determine if they are related to his service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral shin splints, low back disability, right carpal tunnel syndrome, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), finding that there is no evidence of these conditions during or within one year after her active service. The Board also found that any current diagnoses are not related to the Veteran's in-service exposure to particulate matter due to her service in Southwest Asia.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination findings regarding the Veteran's left wrist ganglion cyst and her contentions of temporary paralysis.

The Veteran's appeals for initial ratings on several service-connected conditions have been dismissed due to her withdrawal of the appeals.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased rating and entitlement to TDIU due to deficiencies in the VA examination provided. The Veteran needs to provide updated treatment records, undergo a VA examination, and have their service-connected conditions evaluated.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a 100% rating for the period prior to April 12, 2017. The issue of TDIU for the period prior to February 12, 2016 is dismissed as moot due to his concurrent TDIU award based on PTSD. SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s) was denied for the period prior to July 27, 2016.