Wrist & hand Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence and for a reconsideration of the Veteran's right wrist ankylosis rating. The TDIU issue is also being referred for extraschedular consideration.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to inadequate medical opinions and further development is needed.

The Board denied service connection for a right wrist disability, finding that the Veteran's current condition is not related to his active service. The evidence did not support an in-service injury or chronic condition.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 20% since December 27, 2006 and 40% from March 14, 2013. The left wrist disability is rated at 20%, 40%, and 40% respectively for the same periods. A TDIU rating is granted effective December 27, 2006. SMC based on loss of use of the left hand is also granted.

The Board denied service connection for headaches, finding no evidence of a current disability related to service.,The Board remanded the issues of service connection for right knee and back disabilities due to insufficient medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to the need for additional VA and non-VA treatment records, as well as a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for a pulmonary disability (to include asthma) and sleep apnea, and denied an initial rating higher than 10 percent for the right wrist disability.,Further development is needed to determine if there is any relationship between the Veteran's current respiratory and sleep disorders and his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete certification of her service treatment records and need for additional development, including VA examinations.

The Board has determined that the VA medical opinions obtained on remand are inadequate and requires further examination or opinion to address the Veteran's claimed disabilities, their onset during service, and any relationship to his service. The case is therefore being remanded for these purposes.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of his right knee degenerative arthritis was denied as the evidence did not show limitation of motion that would warrant a higher rating.,The Veteran's claim for shortening of the right leg secondary to his service-connected right knee disability was also denied, as there is no compensable rating available under VA regulations.

The Veteran's SMC claim for regular aid and attendance is granted. The automobile allowance claim is denied due to the absence of permanent loss of use of one or both feet, severe burn injury, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ankylosis of knees or hips in his service-connected disabilities. The TDIU claim before July 17, 2002, is remanded for extraschedular consideration.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied. The case is REMANDED for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to incomplete service treatment records and personnel records. The Veteran is seeking service connection for various conditions, including high cholesterol, back problems, gout of the ankles, sinusitis, acid reflux, carpal tunnel syndrome of the wrists, and hypertension.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a need for an addendum opinion regarding whether the Veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome is caused or aggravated by his service-connected fracture of the right forearm.

The Veteran's left foot disability due to an undiagnosed illness is granted, and he receives a 10% rating for his service-connected left wrist fracture. His initial compensable rating for anemia remains unchanged.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to June 17, 2010 was denied as his service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment.,On August 13, 2015, the Veteran's TDIU claim from that date forward was also denied because none of his service-connected conditions (other than adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood) on their own or collectively met the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, particularly his right thumb arthritis and right wrist disability, have prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment since February 6, 2009.

The Board has granted service connection for left carpal tunnel syndrome, but the issue of service connection for a left upper extremity disorder other than carpal tunnel syndrome and left navicular bone fracture residuals with DJD is remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran regarding his jump status while in service. The examiner is requested to provide an opinion on whether these disabilities are at least as likely as not related to this in-service jump status.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various peripheral neuropathies and hypertension due to incomplete development of evidence. The Veteran's right carpal tunnel syndrome, left carpal tunnel syndrome, left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy are all being reviewed as direct service connection claims.