Wrist & hand Board decisions

The Veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was granted. Service connection for right ear hearing loss is also granted, but the Veteran does not have a current left ear hearing loss disability recognized as a VA disability. The initial ratings for left third digit crush injury with residual flexion loss (left third finger disability), gastroesophageal reflux disease and hiatal hernia (GERD), and carpal tunnel syndrome of both upper extremities are granted.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for further development due to a need for updated medical records and examinations.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on multiple conditions have been dismissed due to withdrawal of the appeal by the appellant.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to incomplete records and failed attempts at contact. The issues of service connection are being remanded as they involve secondary service connection.

Service connection is granted for carpal tunnel syndrome and a left shoulder disorder. The Veteran's service-connected right shoulder rotator cuff condition does not appear to be the cause of his left shoulder disorders.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, low back disability, right wrist disability, right knee disability, and left knee disability. The Veteran's current tinnitus is found to be related to his military noise exposure during active service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his right hand/wrist condition is being remanded due to the lack of a recent VA examination and reported worsening symptoms.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeals on multiple service connection and rating issues, including those related to lumbar spine disorder, bilateral pes planus, right hand CTS, left hand CTS, PTSD, cervical spine disorder, trouble breathing, sleep apnea, bilateral pulmonary embolisms, and insomnia disorder. The Board dismissed the appeal due to withdrawal.

The Veteran's right hand carpal tunnel syndrome is rated at 50 percent, effective January 8, 2019.,The Veteran's lumbar spine disability and associated radiculopathy of the lower extremities are not rated higher than 20 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating have been denied. The Board found no current disabilities for the claimed conditions, or that any were incurred in service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including PTSD and anxiety, were denied. The Board found no new and material evidence to reopen the claim.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder and right wrist conditions, but has determined that additional development is needed before these claims can be decided on their merits.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for aid and attendance or housebound benefits as her surviving spouse, finding that she is not in need of regular aid and assistance from another person due to her medical conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bilateral shoulder condition and left hand/wrist condition, both claimed as arthritis due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology. The Veteran's VA treatment records indicate current diagnoses of these conditions but a VA examination is needed to determine if they are related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and rating considerations due to insufficient evidence regarding the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for left knee scar is granted, recurrent sinusitis remains at a 10 percent rating, lumbar spine disorder receives a 40 percent rating, right wrist disorder maintains its 10 percent rating, and the Veteran is awarded an initial 20 percent rating from November 28, 2012 to February 22, 2018 for left knee status post arthroscopy with limited flexion.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a right wrist disability, finding that there is no evidence linking his current condition to his military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for his left wrist scar and has remanded the issue of entitlement to a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals of a left wrist flexor tendon injury.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for left wrist ganglion cyst and thoracolumbar spine degenerative disc disease due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology. The Veteran must be provided with VA examinations to determine if his disabilities are related to military service.

The Veteran's shin splints have been granted an initial 10 percent rating. The right shoulder, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, and sleep apnea claims are remanded for further examination and opinion. The PTSD claim is also remanded with a request to issue a statement of the case on the issues of ratings in excess of 50 percent prior to January 21, 2015 and in excess of 70 percent from January 21, 2015 to August 21, 2018.