Wrist & hand Board decisions

The Veteran's lung/respiratory disorder, right and left carpal tunnel syndrome were not found to be service-connected. The claims for these conditions are being remanded.

The Veteran's claim to reopen service connection for low back pain was granted. The claims for increased ratings of left and right wrist disabilities were remanded.

The Veteran's hypertension and right-hand carpal tunnel syndrome were denied increased ratings. The Veteran was granted an increased rating of 60 percent for left-hand carpal tunnel syndrome from October 21, 2014.

The Veteran's hypertension and right-hand carpal tunnel syndrome were denied increased ratings. The Veteran was granted an increased rating of 60 percent for left-hand carpal tunnel syndrome from October 21, 2014.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee, left knee, right wrist, left wrist, and neck disorders due to potential exposure in Southwest Asia. The Veteran will be asked to provide any outstanding medical records and a VA examination will be scheduled.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral knee disorder and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome due to a lack of VA examination records, as well as potential service connection based on overuse from boxing training and repetitive motions.

The Board has granted a clothing allowance for the left wrist splint used to treat service-connected carpal tunnel syndrome. The right wrist splint, bilateral knee braces, and menthol/methyl salicylate topical medication are denied as they do not meet the criteria for an annual clothing allowance.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left wrist condition and remanded the issues of initial compensable disability ratings for his right and left foot DJD (gout).

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the merits of the Veteran's claims, including for service connection for various disorders. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Board previously denied a higher rating for the Veteran's service-connected right wrist disability. The Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (Court) has now ruled that the Board should have considered whether to rate the disability under Diagnostic Codes 5307 and/or 5308, which relate to muscle injuries of the forearm and hand. A new examination is needed to make an informed decision.

The Veteran's left wrist post-traumatic osteoarthritis has not been rated higher than 10 percent due to the absence of incapacitating exacerbations. The case is being remanded for a new examination and rating determination.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations and evaluations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions, as well as to obtain updated VA treatment records.

The Board has determined that additional medical examinations are needed to determine the nature and etiology of any right shoulder, right wrist, right thumb, or right finger (including right ring finger) disabilities. The Veteran's service-connected bilateral knee disabilities may also be considered in relation to his left hip disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right arm, right wrist, left wrist, low back, right knee, and left knee conditions did not have their onset during active service or are otherwise related to his military service. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service incurrence or aggravation.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for left hand, right hand, left wrist, and right wrist disabilities due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran's current diagnoses of carpal tunnel syndrome are not related to his service.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's left wrist/hand disability, including any chronic residuals and status post tendon repair, is not service-connected. The case is being sent back for further examination to determine if there are any current disabilities related to his in-service injury.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to internal inconsistencies in previous opinions and lack of verification of mustard gas exposure. The claims are also remanded for a TDIU determination.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for left wrist and bilateral shoulder disabilities due to outstanding VA treatment records, notification issues, and need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right wrist fusion were denied. The Board found that the current ratings of 40 percent and 50 percent, respectively, are appropriate given the findings from VA examinations indicating unfavorable ankylosis in any degree of palmar flexion.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of any wrist or knee disability, and thus cannot establish service connection for these conditions. The claims are denied.