Wrist & hand Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation from July 23, 2010 to November 2, 2016. The appeal for TDIU on and after November 2, 2016 is dismissed as moot.

The Veteran withdrew from appeal the claims of service connection for soft tissue sarcoma, degenerative spinal disc disease, left wrist scar, and breathing problems during an August 2018 Board hearing.

The Veteran's bilateral shoulder and right wrist conditions have not resulted in the required limitations of motion to warrant a higher rating.,Service connection for various disorders, including hearing loss, tinnitus, and psychiatric conditions, has been denied.

The Veteran's TDIU rating is being remanded for further development and consideration of whether an extraschedular TDIU rating should be granted prior to January 31, 2013.

The Veteran's right hip and wrist disabilities have been rated based on their service-connected nature, with a TDIU granted effective June 15, 2012. The rating for the right hip fracture remains at 10 percent due to flexion limitation not meeting higher criteria, while the wrist disability is rated as 10 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from obtaining and following a substantially gainful occupation between March 31, 2009 and April 20, 2017.

The Veteran's claim for hypertension was reopened, and he is now rated at 30 percent for CTS of the right wrist. He also received increased ratings for PN of the LLE and RLE sciatic nerves.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, but the claims for prostate cancer and thyroid disorder due to herbicide exposure are remanded. The claim for carpal tunnel is also remanded.

The Veteran's claims for a right wrist disability, left ankle disability, bilateral hearing loss, and an acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD) have all been denied. The Board found no current disabilities for these conditions.,Additionally, the Veteran's claim for a sleeping disorder associated with PTSD has also been denied.

The Veteran's left upper extremity median nerve neuropathy and carpal tunnel syndrome are rated at 10 percent, but the Board finds that they more closely approximate a 20 percent rating for moderate incomplete paralysis. The TDIU claim is referred to VA's Director of Compensation Service for extraschedular consideration.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed. The Board has ordered the remand of several issues including neurological disorders, psychiatric disorder, and headaches.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is granted as secondary to his service-connected right wrist and thumb disabilities. The Veteran also meets the criteria for a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence to adjudicate the service connection claim for right and left upper extremities disorder, including bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. The Veteran's symptoms are related to his active duty service as a Communications Repair Technician, but there is not enough evidence to determine if they are directly related or secondary to his service-connected right shoulder disability.

The Board has granted service connection for right plantar fasciitis, left plantar fasciitis, left carpal tunnel syndrome, right carpal tunnel syndrome, and bilateral leg lipodermatosclerosis. The decision is based on the Veteran's credible testimony regarding his in-service symptoms and competent medical opinions linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's endometriosis and pelvic adhesions with chronic pelvic pain, status post laparotomy are remanded for a VA examination to determine the current severity of her service-connected condition.,PTSD is remanded for a VA examination to determine the nature and severity of her PTSD.,CFS is remanded for a thorough VA examination to clarify whether the Veteran has a diagnosis of CFS, and to clarify the nature and etiology of her disability.,Right foot numbness and pain are remanded for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of her right foot condition.,Right upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome is remanded for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of her right upper extremity condition.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. The appeals for right knee disorder, left ankle disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and hypertension have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of these claims.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection. Specifically, a VA examination is needed to assess the nature and etiology of any sleep disorder, and outstanding records are requested.

The Veteran's right carpal tunnel syndrome is granted as service-connected.,A disability rating of 30 percent, but no higher, for left upper extremity median nerve syndrome is granted. The Veteran’s cervical spine condition remains at a 20 percent rating.

The Veteran's depressive disorder and obstructive sleep apnea are granted as secondary to her service-connected disabilities. The remaining claims for service connection are denied.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's right hand and/or wrist condition, including carpal tunnel syndrome, may be related to service or secondary to his left wrist disability. However, more evidence is needed for a definitive decision.