Wrist & hand Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, finding that the condition was shown as such in service and manifested after service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for left and right ankle disorders, foot disorders, asthma (respiratory disorder), right shoulder disorder, right wrist disorder, left-hand disorder, right-hand disorder, lumbar spine disorder, cervical spine disorder, right hip disorder, left hip disorder, left knee disorder, and right knee disorder due to outstanding VA treatment records and the need for additional medical examinations.

The appeal of the issue of entitlement to service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II is dismissed. The appeals for increased disability evaluation in excess of 10 percent for left-wrist disorder, service connection for left-hand numbness (to include carpal tunnel syndrome), service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, service connection for kidney disorder, to include as secondary to medications prescribed for hypertension and/or an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, and service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, to include as secondary to an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD are all remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss. The issues of service connection for various conditions, including right rotator cuff condition, back condition, asbestosis, and knee conditions are remanded due to outstanding records.

The Veteran's right wrist disability is rated at 40 percent, but the Board denied a higher rating and TDIU due to lack of ankylosis outside favorable or loss of use.

The Board has remanded several service connection claims due to the need for additional examinations and development of evidence. The appellant's left knee osteoarthritis claim remains in appellate status, while his generalized anxiety disorder claim requires a new examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to inadequate medical examinations and development needs.

The Board has dismissed the claim of service connection for depression and is remanding the Veteran's right wrist rating claim. The issue of a separate compensable rating for neurologic abnormalities associated with a right wrist disability is also being remanded.

The Veteran's chronic tension headaches are granted service connection. The other issues on appeal are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome is rated at 20 percent for the left hand and 30 percent for the right hand, reflecting moderate incomplete paralysis.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of his service-connected right wrist disability is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and notification regarding a scheduled examination.

The Veteran's left wrist disability is rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for his right hand strain and TDIU are remanded due to the need for additional medical examination to differentiate symptoms related to service-connected disabilities from those of non-service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's NODs regarding lumbar strain, tinea versicolor, and radiculopathy were granted. The Veteran's hysterectomy, breast reduction, bilateral carpal tunnel release, and right-hand burn scars are rated at a combined 40 percent.

The Board has determined that there are outstanding private medical records relevant to the Veteran's claims and has ordered their retrieval. The Veteran is also asked to provide any additional private medical records from her providers.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for respiratory disability, sleep apnea, and bilateral wrist disabilities due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology. The Veteran is also requested to provide any outstanding VA or private treatment records.

The Veteran's hearing loss and bilateral elbow, wrist, and hand conditions are pending further examination and opinion. The Board finds that a remand is warranted for another VA examination and medical opinions to determine the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right upper extremity disabilities, but has found that additional development is needed due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

Service connection is granted for major depressive disorder.,The claim for service connection for a tonsil condition, low back disability, headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, BPH, nerve conditions of the lower and upper extremities, and skin rash is denied.

The Board has denied increased ratings for the Veteran's left wrist condition and thoracolumbar spine intervertebral disc syndrome with osteoarthritis. The case is remanded due to issues remaining unresolved.