Wrist & hand Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches, asthma, left wrist disability, and allergic rhinitis with sinusitis prevented him from securing and following substantially gainful employment from December 1, 2011 through September 10, 2012.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease was denied. The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) from January 1, 2011 to February 3, 2013 was granted.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased ratings of hypertension, left and right carpal tunnel syndrome, right shoulder strain, right lateral epicondylitis, right ankle strain, upper airway resistance syndrome, and PTSD prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome of the right hand is denied. The Board has also remanded his claims for a respiratory or lung condition, to include chronic sinusitis, asthma, and allergic rhinitis, due to burn pit exposure in service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him so helpless as to be in need of regular aid and attendance, warranting SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for left wrist disability was denied. An effective date earlier than March 23, 2004 for the award of service connection for left wrist disability and an effective date from October 21, 2013 for TDIU were also denied.

The Veteran's claim for a clothing allowance due to his service-connected right wrist splint is granted, as the evidence shows that the metal in the splint wears out his shirts and pants.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased ratings are remanded due to inadequate or incomplete examinations and further medical examination is needed.

The Veteran's claim for an annual clothing allowance is remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and records. The issue will be reconsidered with consideration of whether two separate allowances can be granted, as well as determining if the Veteran's braces cause wear or tear on her clothing.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. Service connection was granted for bilateral knee pain, but denied for other conditions including headache, depression, sciatic radiculopathy, left and right elbow strain, left and right wrist strain, right ankle strain, and hypertension.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome of the bilateral upper extremities was denied in October 2001. The effective date for this grant is July 24, 2012.

The Veteran's TDIU appeal is remanded due to the inability to schedule a VA examination at his preferred location. The case will be returned for further action.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's current left wrist disability and his service. The Veteran needs to provide updated VA treatment records, and an examination is required to determine if there is a link between the injury in service and the current condition.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to his military service.

The Board dismissed the claim of service connection for bilateral wrist arthritis. The claims for reopening of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and respiratory condition, as well as service connection for joint pain in left arm, joint pain in right arm, skin symptoms, and headaches are remanded.

The Veteran's excessive UTIs, bladder stones, and related psychiatric conditions are not deemed to be additional disabilities resulting from VA care.,Left wrist tendonitis is also not considered an additional disability due to VA treatment.

The Board has denied an increased rating for the Veteran's right wrist disability and remanded issues of service connection for liver and right shoulder disabilities. The case is being returned to the RO for further development.

The Veteran's lower back strain disability is now rated at 20 percent effective July 9, 2009. The right wrist fracture residuals continue to be rated at 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection due to incomplete VA examination reports. The case is returned to the AOJ for further development, including obtaining additional VA examinations.