Wrist & hand Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 30 percent for his service-connected right wrist laceration radial digital neuropathy disability is remanded due to conflicting symptoms and the need for updated VA outpatient treatment records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for osteoarthritis of the bilateral hands, bilateral knee disability, low back disability, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and carpal tunnel syndrome due to inadequate medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Board has denied claims for service connection for left knee, right knee, and osteoarthritis of wrists, elbows, shoulders, and neck disabilities. The reasons include lack of credible evidence of current disability within the appeal period.

The Board denied service connection for a left hand or wrist disorder, including carpal tunnel syndrome, and right carpal tunnel syndrome. The Veteran did not have these conditions, and the VA examiner found that they were not caused by his service-connected burns.

The Veteran's appeal for initial compensable ratings and service connection for various hand, wrist, and ankle conditions has been remanded due to incomplete records of his periods of active duty for training (ACDUTRA).

The Board denied service connection for a neck disorder, lumbar spine disorder, bilateral hip disorder, and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome.,Service connection was granted for tinnitus. The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is secondary to his service-connected hypertension.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a left wrist disability, finding no current diagnosis and insufficient evidence to support an in-service injury.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the claim for service connection for right hand disability. The Veteran's right hand disabilities, including CTS, are secondary to his service-connected right shoulder disability. The claims for higher ratings for right shoulder, left knee, and right knee disabilities as well as issues regarding effective dates remain pending.

The Veteran's claim for a bilateral upper extremity disability, originally claimed as wrist pain, is being remanded due to the need to address his cervical spine disability and obtain any relevant VA treatment records. The issue of service connection for a cervical spine disability has also been referred to the AOJ.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment, as they are reflected in the disability ratings assigned.

The Board has found that the VA examinations did not comply with remand directives and are therefore remanded for additional development, including new medical examinations to assess the Veteran's right wrist and hand conditions as well as her bilateral shin splints.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates were denied. The Board found no evidence of an increase in disability within one year prior to the October 20, 2008 claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right wrist disability, finding that his preexisting condition did not increase in severity during military service and was more likely aggravated by post-service activities.

The Veteran's rheumatoid arthritis is not properly rated, and the Board finds that remand is warranted to obtain updated VA treatment records and schedule an examination to assess the current severity of the condition.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, tinnitus, and hypertension. The claims are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for depression, fatigue and lethargy is remanded due to the need for a comprehensive nerve evaluation.,The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings of radiculopathy in both upper and lower extremities are also remanded as current evidence does not provide a clear picture of their severity.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for lumbar spine disorder, left wrist disorders, cervical spine disorder, right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy due to insufficient development of the record. The issues are being returned for further examination and medical opinions.

The Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for right eye vision loss was denied as new and material evidence has not been received.,Service connection for carpel tunnel syndrome of the left wrist is granted, with a rating in excess of 30 percent.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance is remanded due to incomplete medical records and the need for a physical examination.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, flat feet with inflammation, right wrist condition, carpal tunnel syndrome, and sleep apnea due to insufficient evidence on record.