Wrist & hand Board decisions

The Veteran's hypertension and cardiomyopathy are granted as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus and PTSD.,PTSD is granted with a 100 percent rating throughout the appeal period.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right wrist disability, vitiligo, thyroid disability, lateral instability of the right knee, and a right knee lateral meniscus tear with chronic sprain and early degenerative changes. The claim for increased ratings for these conditions was also dismissed. The Board remanded the issue of entitlement to service connection for obstructive sleep apnea.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for residuals, retained foreign body, right wrist is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and updated treatment records.

Service connection for IBS, as due to Gulf War undiagnosed illness, is granted. Service connection for headaches, left arm condition, left wrist condition, right index finger injury, lower back condition, right knee condition, left knee condition, and right eye condition are denied. Service connection for fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, both as due to Gulf War undiagnosed illness, are also denied.

The Board denied service connection for lumbar spine degenerative joint disease and congenital spinal stenosis, bilateral pes planus, right knee condition, left knee condition, and right wrist condition (dominant) as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions originated during active service.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of cold injury to both wrists with Raynaud's phenomenon have been granted a 10 percent rating, effective from August 6, 2012. The increased rating for plantar fasciitis and degenerative joint disease of the right heel and fifth metatarsal has been denied.

The Board denied service connection for a neck condition, right elbow condition, left elbow condition, and bilateral hand condition. The Veteran's current conditions are attributed to known clinical diagnoses.,Service connection was not granted due to lack of evidence showing the conditions began in service or within one year of service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome was incurred during his service in May 2003 when he fell on his hands, and thus granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded several issues related to service connection for various disabilities of the Veteran's shoulders, arms, wrists, and hands. The main issue is determining whether these conditions are proximately caused or aggravated by her service-connected left knee disability.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted from May 1, 2009. The Board found that the Veteran was unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities since May 1, 2009.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome began during service or is otherwise related to his military duties. The temporary total evaluation claim is also being remanded due to its inextricability with the service connection claim.

All pending claims for service connection and increased ratings are dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Board dismissed the appeal for service connection of Type II diabetes mellitus due to the Veteran's withdrawal. The remaining issues were remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding service connection for a right wrist disability. The Veteran's claim of residuals from a right mandible fracture is dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to insufficient evidence. The issues of service connection and TDIU remain pending.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and adjustment disorder with mixed disturbance of emotions and conduct, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are at least as likely as not related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his painful surgical scar of the left wrist was denied. The claim for an earlier effective date for service connection and separate rating for left wrist tenosynovitis was also denied. The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his status-post carpal tunnel release with median nerve neuropathy, left (non-dominant) wrist/hand is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The Veteran's claims of service connection for left knee disability, lumbar spine disability, and right wrist disability are pending.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of increased ratings for right wrist disability and left ear hearing loss, as well as service connection for right ear hearing loss due to new evidence indicating worsening symptoms. The Veteran will need to undergo VA examinations to determine current severity.