Wrist & hand Board decisions

An increased rating of 20 percent for left hand carpal tunnel syndrome prior to May 2, 2017 has been granted.,A request for an increased rating in excess of 20 percent for left hand CTS from May 2, 2017 onwards is denied.

The Board has decided that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for tinnitus. The claims for right big toe nail loss and carpal tunnel syndrome of the right hand are remanded due to a lack of examination.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar degenerative disc disease with lumbar spinal stenosis and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, finding that these conditions had onset during military service.

The Veteran's OSA, right wrist disability, and shin splints are all granted as service-connected. The Board found that the Veteran's OSA began during active service, his right wrist condition is related to in-service physical training, and his shin splints may be linked to in-service physical activities.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted effective March 17, 2015. The appeals for increased ratings on the remaining issues are dismissed as the Veteran has accepted the TDIU award.

The Board has granted service connection for right wrist carpal tunnel syndrome, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to a duty to assist error. A VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any knee, shoulder, wrist, hand, foot, sinusitis, and rhinitis conditions.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted a 70 percent rating, effective from the date of the decision. The Veteran’s migraine headaches are granted a 50 percent rating, and her right and left knee disabilities are remanded for further review.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder, including asthma, is granted. The Board finds that the Veteran has a current respiratory disorder related to his in-service exposure and grants this claim. For the right hand disability, the Board finds insufficient evidence to establish a nexus between the current condition and an in-service injury, thus remanding the issue.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left wrist disability is related to his in-service injury, and thus service connection for left wrist arthritis is granted.

The Veteran's right wrist disability is currently rated as noncompensable. The Board has granted a compensable rating of 10 percent for the right wrist disability effective June 24, 2011. The issues of entitlement to increased ratings for migraine headaches, TBI residuals, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) are remanded.

The Board has denied service connection for COPD, but has remanded the issues of service connection for ischemic heart disease, diabetes, carotid arterial disease, left hand disability, right hand disability, and neuropathy of the lower extremities as due to herbicide exposure. The issue of compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for left true vocal cord paralysis with dysphonia and globus sensation has been remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for the service-connected residuals of left wrist ligamental injury, status post-operative stabilization procedure, is being remanded due to a misfiled power of attorney and failure to notify his representative.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development to determine the relationship between his COPD, left and right hand carpal tunnel syndrome, and his military service.

The Veteran's kidney cancer is related to his service as an aviation repairman, and the Board has granted service connection for residuals of kidney cancer. The claim for a compensable rating for excision of ganglion from his left wrist is dismissed.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for cervical spine arthritis, right shoulder degenerative joint disease, left knee disability, and left elbow carpal tunnel syndrome with ulnar nerve involvement have been denied. The VA has determined that the current ratings adequately reflect the severity of these conditions.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted as service-connected, but his painful right wrist condition is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral foot pain and bilateral wrist pain due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error. New medical opinions are needed to determine the etiology of the claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for chronic right wrist sprain and PTSD are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records.