Wrist & hand Board decisions

The Veteran's service connection claim for the residuals of an injury to his left upper extremity, including a left shoulder, left elbow, and left wrist disability, is granted. The Board found that the Veteran has current residuals from an in-service injury and established a link between the current disability and service.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are currently rated at 30 percent, but the Board has determined that a higher 50 percent rating is warranted due to very frequent and prolonged prostrating attacks.,For his right wrist disability, the Veteran was granted a 10 percent rating. The examination revealed limited range of motion with dorsiflexion being less than 15 degrees.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) due to inadequate reasons and bases, inconsistent findings with the record, and failure to discuss relevant evidence. The case is being returned to the Board for further development and readjudication.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding various service connection claims, including for bilateral hearing loss, left arm condition, lumbar strain, left knee condition, left ankle condition, plantar fasciitis, anxiety condition, migraine headaches, jaw condition, lung condition, bronchitis, pneumonia, cervical strain, right shoulder condition, left shoulder condition, right arm condition, right wrist condition, left wrist condition, kidney stones, right hip condition, left hip condition, and right ankle condition. The appeals were dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his claims.

The Veteran's claim for a clothing allowance due to his right wrist brace damage is remanded because the AOJ did not consider more recent medical records.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to lack of substantial compliance with prior remands. The Veteran's service connection claims are being returned to VA for further action.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient opinions regarding secondary service connection and chemical exposure.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings are remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations to assess the current severity of his lower back, right ring finger, right knee, and right foot disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, bilateral foot condition, and lower back condition due to incomplete development. The AOJ is instructed to notify the Veteran that records from Dr. Robbie could not be obtained.

The Veteran's combination of service-connected disabilities required care and assistance on a regular basis to dress herself, prepare meals, keep herself clean and presentable, attend to the wants of nature, and protect her from the hazards or dangers inherent in her daily environment. As such, she is granted special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection of gastrointestinal and genitourinary disabilities, as well as bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and hypertension. Service connection is granted for left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy with dystonia, and left lower and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathies due to Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left wrist disability was denied in April 2017, and he withdrew his appeal. He later submitted a new claim on April 27, 2018, seeking to reopen the previous denial. The Board found that this did not meet the requirements for a timely appeal or submission of new and material evidence.

The Board has determined that additional medical opinions are needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating increases, as well as a new examination is required to assess his bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hammertoes, hypertension, muscle and joint disorders of various body parts, upper and lower gastrointestinal tract disorders, eye disorder, sleep apnea, surgical scars, and headache disorder due to incomplete service records and need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding service connection for a right wrist disability and a higher rating prior to June 27, 2019 for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has found the VA examinations inadequate and remanded the issues for further examination. The Veteran is seeking service connection for various joint disabilities, including arthritis of multiple joints, elbow disability, bilateral shoulder disability, wrist disability (including CTS), and right-hand disability.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral elbow, shoulder, wrist, hip, and ankle disabilities.,The Board also dismissed the Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome and left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations to address his claims of service connection for various conditions, including arthritis and foot issues. The Board found that further examination was needed as a result of the July 2021 Joint Motion for Partial Remand (JMPR).

The Board has granted the Veteran's requests to reopen claims for service connection for hypertension, sleep apnea, right wrist disability, left shoulder disability, and psychiatric disability (depression). The appeals are remanded for further development.