Wrist & hand Board decisions

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating for his right wrist disability and bilateral hearing loss due to incomplete records and need for further medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for left and right upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome, as well as radiculopathy of the left lower extremity. The Veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome is being examined to determine if it is related to an in-service injury or disease, and whether it is secondary to a service-connected disability. The radiculopathy claim is also being remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's appeal for high cholesterol was dismissed. The Board found that the preponderance of evidence did not support a finding that his low back, left wrist, right wrist, right leg, left leg, or hypertension disabilities began during service or were otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.,For all other issues, the Veteran's appeals for low back disability, left wrist disability, right wrist disability, right leg disability, and left leg disability were denied. The Board concluded that there was no evidence of a chronic condition in service, no established continuity of symptomatology since service, and no causal relationship between any current disabilities and an in-service injury or disease.

The Veteran's high blood pressure is granted a 10 percent rating, effective September 26, 2017. Service connection for colon polyps and diverticulosis are denied. The Board remanded the issues of service connection for deviated septum, left carpal tunnel syndrome, residuals of vasectomy, diabetes, hemorrhoids, and hiatal hernia.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for tuberculosis. The claims for service connection for right shoulder, bilateral wrist/forearm, bilateral knee, and bilateral hearing loss conditions are remanded for further development.

The Board has restored a 30 percent rating for carpal tunnel syndrome in the right wrist as of May 1, 2017 due to improper reduction from 30 percent to 10 percent.

The Board has denied reopening of previously denied claims for service connection for various conditions, including lumbar spine disorder, bilateral knee and foot disorders, heart disorder, eye injury residuals, Meniere’s Syndrome, degenerative arthritis of the upper extremities, left shoulder injury, right wrist disorder, fractured ribs, ear disorder (excluding hearing loss), tinnitus, erectile dysfunction, bleeding disorder, and diabetes mellitus. The Board also remanded for further action on a claim for service connection for a left wrist disorder.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating in excess of 30 percent for his service-connected right wrist condition has been remanded due to the failure to report for a scheduled VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder was denied. The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for rheumatoid arthritis of the wrists, hands, left ankle, right ankle, left knee, and right knee were all denied.

The Veteran's explosive disorder and adjustment disorder are found to be service-connected.,PTSD is also found to be service-connected. Prostate cancer, left big toe disorder, low back disorder, GERD, and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome were not found to be service-connected.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right wrist osteoarthritis and strain are related to an in-service injury, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Board has granted the Veteran's application to reopen her claim of service connection for a right wrist disability and has determined that she is entitled to service connection based on direct evidence showing an in-service injury and current condition.

The Board denied service connection for left wrist disability, bilateral hearing loss, and hypertension. The Veteran's request to reopen the claim of service connection for a left wrist disability was denied due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to incomplete documentation regarding her clothing allowance claims for the year 2015. The VAMC and VHA need to obtain relevant records, including those from the Debt Management Center.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left elbow disorders, diagnosed as ulnar neuropathy and medial epicondylitis, and for right and left hand disorders, diagnosed as median nerve carpal tunnel syndrome. These conditions are considered to be directly related to the Veteran's active military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left wrist degenerative joint disease is service-connected as it developed due to trauma sustained during combat in May 1975.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and evaluations.

The appeals for initial compensable ratings for scars of the right knee and vaginitis, as well as service connection for GERD, anemia, and diabetes mellitus Type II have been dismissed. The appeals for increased rating for right knee patellofemoral syndrome, bilateral shin splints, right forearm condition, right wrist sprain, migraine headaches, pterygia (right eye condition), sinusitis, sleep apnea secondary to chronic bladder infection, hypertension, and right leg varicose veins are REMANDED.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened since the last VA examinations, and he is requesting increased ratings. The Board has ordered new examinations to assess the current severity of his left wrist, left elbow, left scapula, and right knee disabilities.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected.,Service connection for bilateral shoulder tendonitis, elbow tendonitis, and wrist tendonitis is denied.,Right ear hearing loss and sinusitis are remanded for further evaluation.,Hypertension is also remanded for further evaluation.