Wrist & hand Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding his exposure to herbicides and pesticides during service. The Veteran is requested to provide authorization for VA to obtain any outstanding records, including private treatment records. A VA medical examination will be conducted to determine if the Veteran’s current disabilities are related to his in-service exposure.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals regarding his left wrist disability, low back disability, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, calculus of the left ureter, and PTSD. The Veteran was granted a total disability rating due to individual unemployability from September 27, 2007 to June 12, 2017.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disorder, right wrist injury, right knee replacement, gout, and hip disability render him so helpless that he requires the aid and attendance of another person to perform daily activities.

The Veteran's right wrist degenerative joint disease was rated at 10 percent prior to March 5, 2014. Since then, a separate rating of 10 percent for the right knee degenerative joint disease has been granted.,Right knee instability was also granted a separate 10 percent rating effective August 5, 2010.

The Board has denied service connection for a breathing disability, but has remanded the claims for right shoulder disability, right arm tingling (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Cubital Tunnel Syndrome), cervical spine disability, and mixed tension and vascular headaches.,Further development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board denied service connection for right wrist disability, tinnitus, skin disability, and depression. The Veteran's current conditions are not related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's service-connected dog bite scars of the right elbow and left wrist are being remanded for further examination to determine their current status and whether they were caused or aggravated by his military service.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral wrist disabilities, including carpal tunnel syndrome and degenerative joint disease.

The Board found no current diagnosis of a right wrist disability and denied service connection for bilateral arm CTS on the grounds that there was no in-service disease or injury, and no nexus to service.

The Veteran's skin disorder was not service-connected due to lack of evidence linking the condition to his military service. His PTSD with depressive disorder and alcohol abuse were also denied as they did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board denied service connection for back, hip, and leg disorders secondary to gouty arthritis of the right wrist and feet. The Veteran's current symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5017.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his right wrist, right knee, and right ankle conditions due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran needs to provide updated treatment records and undergo new examinations.

The Board denied service connection for a right wrist disorder with degenerative changes and bilateral pes planus, finding no evidence of in-service injury or disease that led to the current disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and remanded the remaining issues related to right wrist, left wrist, psychiatric disability including PTSD, SI joint and L5 osteoarthritis, and left ankle osteoarthritis.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection of heart disability, left wrist disability, mononucleosis, and sleep apnea. The claim for PTSD was granted with new and material evidence but not reopened as it is considered a direct service connection case. Service connection for diabetes mellitus II was denied due to lack of exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran's left wrist disability was evaluated during an August 2015 VA examination. The examiner noted the Veteran’s report of having flare-ups that occurred once or twice a month and involved limited range of motion. The Board found another examination should be obtained on remand due to unclear opinion regarding functional loss during flare-ups.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a chronic right hand disorder and entitlement to TDIU prior to November 8, 2012 due to incomplete development. The Veteran's case will be returned for further examination and readjudication.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and conducting further examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected knee and wrist disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected PTSD or pain from his other disabilities caused or aggravated his heart disease, which was the cause of death.

The Veteran's right carpal tunnel syndrome is rated at a 10 percent evaluation from March 1, 2011 to July 9, 2012.