Wrist & hand Board decisions

The Board denied service connection for left and right knee disabilities, finding no evidence of a nexus to service or service-connected diabetes. The decision also denied service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome of the upper extremities due to lack of medical opinion.,Service connection was not granted as there is insufficient evidence linking current knee conditions or carpal tunnel syndrome to service or service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's back brace was granted a clothing allowance for the year 2014 due to wear and tear on her clothing. However, the bilateral wrist braces/splints were denied as they are not related to any service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for right wrist and bilateral hand disabilities, as well as his claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The VA is instructed to obtain any SSA records related to the Veteran’s disability benefits application and any outstanding VA treatment records. Additionally, a VA examination must be conducted to assess the functional impairment of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and their impact on his ability to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity and neurological disability of the left upper extremity, including carpal tunnel syndrome, as secondary to exposure to Agent Orange. The evidence did not show early-onset peripheral neuropathy within one year after presumed exposure.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions have been denied. The Board found no new and material evidence to reopen her claim for glaucoma, and the preponderance of the evidence is against finding that she has generalized arthritis or any other claimed condition due to service.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and an earlier effective date are being remanded due to the addition of new VA treatment records that need to be considered.

The Board granted an initial 10 percent rating for bilateral pes planus and denied a TDIU. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete medical records and the need for further examinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) housebound based on her service-connected disabilities, finding that she does not meet the criteria for SMC housebound as defined by law and regulations.

The Veteran's request for a rating greater than 10 percent for degenerative joint disease right wrist is denied. A 30 percent rating for diverticulosis, IBS with GERD has been granted.,Service connection for gastroparesis secondary to gallbladder removal surgery remains in dispute and requires further examination.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for various wrist, ankle, and knee disabilities. However, these issues are still being remanded due to insufficient evidence in some areas.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a hand condition, left knee disability, and right knee disability is denied. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for increased ratings for his bilateral knee conditions prior to May 26, 2015.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for left wrist carpal tunnel syndrome and a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for rhinitis. The Board found that there was no evidence linking the current conditions to active service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for fibromyalgia, right and left knee disabilities, right and left elbow disabilities, right and left wrist disabilities, and benign lipoma of the left thigh status post excision and infected sebaceous cyst of the left axilla due to lack of a current diagnosis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient or speculative opinions provided by VA examiners. The issues include PTSD, cold injury residuals of the feet, left ear hearing loss, low back disability, right wrist disability, and hypertension.

The Veteran's service-connected scar disabilities and adjustment disorder with anxious and depressed mood are being remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome is rated at a 10 percent rating, effective from the date of the decision.

The Veteran's seafood reaction is not related to his active service.,There is no current diagnosis of a left hand and fingers disability or a right hand and fingers disability.

The Veteran's service connection claim for headaches is remanded. The claim for a higher rating for MDD, earlier effective date for radial neuropathy of the right wrist, and increased rating for a right leg disability are also remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims due to insufficient evidence and need for additional examinations.