Wrist & hand Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the inextricability of his psychiatric disorder claim with his TDIU claim, and the improper consideration of the reduction of his right wrist disability rating.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected right wrist arthritis is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and further development of the record.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for additional records and an addendum medical opinion. The VA will obtain private psychiatric treatment records, Social Security Administration disability records, and request an addendum from the October 2018 VA PTSD examiner.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions due to incomplete medical records and inadequate opinions.

The Veteran's service-connected left ear hearing loss, tinnitus, and left wrist condition are all granted. The Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy is also granted with a 40% disability rating, but only for the left lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran's low back disability, pseudofolliculitis barbae, and left wrist disability are granted as service connected.,The Veteran's right wrist disability is granted as service connected.,The Veteran's traumatic brain injury (TBI) is granted as service connected.,The Veteran's sleep apnea is granted as service connected.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and GERD was denied.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his left dorsal wrist scar is being remanded due to the need for additional development of records and consideration.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for service connection for PTSD, and his combined disability rating is sufficient to grant a TDIU prior to August 3, 2017.

The Veteran's major depression is granted as secondary to service-connected back, knee and shoulder disabilities. The right wrist disability is remanded for further examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for lumbar strain, carpal tunnel syndrome in the left wrist, atrial fibrillation, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The issue of whether an April 2002 rating decision became final is also being remanded.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection related to psoriatic arthritis and associated conditions have been denied. The RO awarded separate evaluations for limitation of motion of the right hand, left hand, and left wrist as secondary to service-connected psoriasis with various disability ratings starting from March 6, 2013. The Veteran's claims were subsequently adjusted to reflect unfavorable ankylosis of digits in his hands and favorable ankylosis of his left wrist effective October 24, 2012.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for right wrist and bilateral knee disabilities due to incomplete examinations and conflicting medical opinions.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's service connection claims for further examination and review due to incomplete STRs and insufficient examinations in September 2015.

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating of 50 percent or higher for PTSD has been granted, effective from the date of this decision. The Veteran is currently rated at 30 percent for his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this appeal at this time.

The Veteran's right carpal tunnel syndrome and ureteral stenosis, status-post stent, are granted. The Veteran's right hip disorder and left hip disorder are denied. The Veteran's thrombophlebitis of the left popliteal vein is granted as secondary to adenocarcinoma of the colon.,The Veteran has been granted service connection for his right carpal tunnel syndrome and ureteral stenosis, status-post stent, but not for his hip disorders or thrombophlebitis. The appeal is mixed.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to inadequate VA examinations and incomplete treatment records.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his previously denied claim of service connection for a left knee disorder was granted. The appeal is granted solely on this issue, and the other issues are denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for arthritis of the bilateral knees, ankles, shoulders, and wrists due to inadequate examination in a prior decision. The examiner is asked to provide an opinion on whether it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran’s diagnosed conditions are related to his active duty military service.

The Veteran's dermatitis of the right wrist and forearm is granted a 10 percent disability evaluation, effective from April 8, 2009. The Veteran's vertigo remains at a 10 percent disability evaluation.