Wrist & hand Board decisions

The Veteran's claimed conditions, including generalized joint and muscle pain, lumbar spine disorder, right elbow lateral and medial epicondylitis, left elbow lateral and medial epicondylitis, right wrist arthritis, left wrist arthritis, and right knee arthritis, were not incurred in service. The Board found no evidence of a chronic condition during service or within one year post-service for most conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and remand were denied. The Board found insufficient evidence to grant higher ratings for the right knee and wrist conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have been shown to prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment throughout the appeals period, resulting in a grant of TDIU.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance of another person due to service-connected disabilities, as well as housebound status due to service-connected disabilities. The evidence did not establish that the Veteran was in need of regular aid and assistance or permanently housebound solely due to his service-connected conditions.

The Board has granted a 40% disability rating for the combined right arm ulnar neuritis and right carpal tunnel syndrome, effective October 1, 2017. The reduction of the 10% rating for right arm ulnar neuritis was improper.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for migraine headaches and a right wrist disability due to insufficient reasoning in the original decision. The Veteran's migraine headaches are found to be secondary to his service-connected obstructive sleep apnea, while the right wrist disability is related to service.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for additional disability due to a left wrist surgery is denied as the evidence does not show that his disability was caused by VA care.

The Board has granted service connection for right wrist pain and neuropathy (right wrist disability) and chronic regional pain syndrome in the right upper extremity (CRPS). Service connection for a left ankle disability is denied. The Veteran's hypertension remains at a 10 percent rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a left wrist injury is granted as the evidence shows that his condition existed prior to service and was not aggravated during service. The Board finds that he incurred this disability in service.

The Veteran's claim is remanded for additional examinations to determine the current severity of his left wrist and shoulder disabilities, as well as for clarification on his work history.

The Veteran withdrew his claims for service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and high blood pressure before the Board could make a decision.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to conflicting findings regarding the Veteran's right hand arthritis and its relationship to service.

The Veteran's left eye scar is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board has found that a higher rating is not warranted.,For his service-connected right wrist disability, erectile dysfunction (secondary to PTSD), and back disability, additional evidence is needed as the current VA examinations are inadequate.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and need for an examination to determine if a right wrist disability is related to service.

The Board has determined that there are pre-decisional duty to assist errors in the decisions regarding cervical condition, menstrual disorder, and lower abdomen condition. The Veteran's right wrist and hand condition also need further examination as the current VA examination is inadequate.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for additional development, including obtaining English translations of Spanish documents and arranging for VA medical opinions regarding his carpal tunnel syndrome, migraines, and radiculopathy.

The Board has denied service connection for a bilateral foot disability, left wrist disability or bilateral CTS, and right wrist tendonitis. The Veteran's current conditions are not considered to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal for benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for a left eye disability was withdrawn, and his increased rating claims were dismissed due to lack of evidence supporting higher ratings.

The Veteran's appeals for an increased rating and a temporary total rating were dismissed as he withdrew his appeal in July 2019. The claim for TDIU prior to May 8, 2015 was denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence and the need for updated VA examinations.