Wrist & hand Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and arranging an orthopedic examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected right wrist disability. The issues of entitlement to a higher rating for the right wrist disability and TDIU prior to November 18, 2008 are also remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an increase in SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance, finding that his service-connected conditions do not render him so helpless as to require the regular aid and attendance of another person.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral lower and upper extremity neurological disabilities and fibromyalgia due to potential exposure to toxic chemicals during service, but finds no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and service.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied as his hearing impairment did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable disability rating for a right pulmonary nodule was denied as his lung condition had no significant effect on his pulmonary function and he has not required any medication or oxygen therapy to treat it.,The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals of a right wrist scapholunate dislocation was denied as the evidence did not show favorable or unfavorable ankylosis, and the range of motion tests showed no limitation that would warrant such a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for left wrist and finger disabilities due to worsening symptoms since her last VA examinations in May 2013. The Veteran was not contacted about the upcoming VA examinations, so another attempt should be made to schedule her for new VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for migraine headaches, left shoulder condition, left wrist condition, and right shoulder condition due to incomplete development of records and failure to consider lay statements in the nexus opinions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for TBI is granted. The claims for Dercum's disease, acromegaly, right and left wrist carpal tunnel syndrome, hypermobility syndrome, testicular/inguinal hernia (left inguinal fat pad hernia), male hypogonadism, respiratory disability, mast cell disorder, hemolytic anemia, and TMJ are all denied due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service or service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary for the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including left and right wrist disorders, a lumbar spine disorder, foot pain and numbness, and depression. The case is being remanded to allow for further examination and consideration.

The Board has remanded the issues of entitlement to service connection for left shoulder, left wrist, right wrist, left hip, left ankle, and right ankle disabilities due to inadequate VA medical opinions in the March 2019 examination report.

The Veteran's service connection for residuals of a left wrist fracture is granted. The issue of an initial evaluation greater than 10 percent for GERD and the right great toe condition are remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine disorder, back disorder, and carpal tunnel syndrome as secondary to his service-connected fibromyalgia.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral wrist disabilities and inguinal hernias, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for painful scars of the right wrist is granted, subject to controlling regulations governing the payment of monetary awards. The issue of entitlement to a TDIU has been raised and requires referral to VA's Director of Compensation Service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right hip, elbow, wrist, hand, and shoulder disabilities due to a lack of evidence showing these conditions began during or were otherwise related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his adjustment disorder and physical conditions like sleep apnea, headaches, joint pain, and neuropathy, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation from January 28, 2014 to June 6, 2016.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, finding that it is not proximately due or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD. The issues of service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine and cervical strain (neck condition) are remanded.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to provide the Veteran with an adequate VA examination of his right wrist disability and obtain an addendum medical opinion regarding the etiology of his multiple sclerosis. The claims for increased rating for right wrist disability and service connection for multiple sclerosis are being returned to the RO for further action.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right shoulder disability was granted in March 2020. The issue of TDIU prior to February 21, 2020 is denied as the Veteran has maintained substantially gainful employment. The issue of TDIU from February 21, 2020 remains pending.

The Veteran's right wrist disability, characterized by painful and limited motion without ankylosis, is currently rated at 10 percent under the musculoskeletal rating criteria. The Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted as there is no evidence of ankylosis or other conditions that would allow for a higher rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, finding that there was no evidence linking his current condition to his military service or a service-connected right elbow disability.