Wrist & hand Board decisions

The Veteran's appeals for higher initial ratings for migraine headaches, left carpal tunnel syndrome, and right carpal tunnel syndrome have been dismissed as he requested to withdraw his appeal.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for arthritis of the right wrist, finding that there was no evidence linking his current condition to his military service or a service-connected injury. The Board concluded that the Veteran's arthritis is more likely due to natural aging processes rather than any in-service event.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection due to new evidence received since his last VA examination.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to assess the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and right shoulder disability, as well as to verify his service in the Air National Guard. The issues of entitlement to service connection for a right shoulder disability and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome are also remanded.

The Veteran's claim for left upper extremity radiculopathy was denied as he does not have a current diagnosis of this condition.,A 10 percent disability rating is granted for bilateral plantar fasciitis, with pain on manipulation and use of the feet.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral wrist disability, left hip disability, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) should be remanded due to incomplete records and the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have been rated at 90 percent disabling since September 23, 2012. The Board has granted restoration of disability ratings for migraines, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, as well as TDIU from September 23, 2012 to September 22, 2013.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and TDIU due to new evidence submitted at his hearing, as well as worsening of symptoms since his last VA examinations. The Veteran is also asked to provide authorization for VA to obtain private medical records from a pain management physician.

The Veteran's claims for asthma or other lung disorder, diabetes mellitus, heart condition, bilateral arm neuropathy, bilateral shoulder, left elbow, cervical spine, and left hip conditions have been denied as new and material evidence has not been received to reopen these claims.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart condition was denied due to lack of evidence showing the condition was caused or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, thus meeting the criteria for TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to maintain substantially gainful employment, and the TDIU claim is granted. The left elbow disability issue remains pending due to a lack of VA examination.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to incomplete records and a lack of response from the Veteran's representative.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for the award of total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is denied. The effective date will be fixed in accordance with the facts found, but shall not be earlier than June 12, 2015.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional examinations and opinions due to inadequate previous VA medical opinions.

The Veteran's right wrist disorder is being granted compensation under the provisions of 38 U.S.C. § 1151 due to VA failure to properly diagnose and treat his initial injury.,Compensation for hepatitis C is denied as there is no evidence that VA treatment caused any additional disability.

The Veteran's right wrist disability is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, but the Board has found that a higher rating is not warranted.,The Veteran's service-connected painful scars and linear scars are currently rated as non-compensable. The Board has also found that a compensable rating is not warranted.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's left wrist injury is related to service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's right wrist disability is related to service. The VA examiner did not address the Veteran’s lay statements and testimony.

The Board has remanded four cases related to the Veteran's use of knee and wrist braces, as there is insufficient information regarding the specific models of braces issued by VA.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for clothing allowances due to lack of evidence showing that his braces and creams caused irreparable damage or wear and tear to his clothing.