Wrist & hand Board decisions

The claim for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected post scaphoid nonunion fracture of the left wrist is remanded due to inadequate examination and failure to address flare-ups.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lower back injury and his request for an increased rating for degenerative joint disease of the left wrist were both granted. However, the Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for his left wrist condition was denied.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome but denied service connection for a heart murmur. The Veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome is considered to be directly related to her military service, while the heart murmur is not considered to be associated with any current disability.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to incomplete records and to consider all relevant evidence.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 40 percent for residuals of laceration right wrist with ulnar neuropathy and degenerative changes was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not indicate complete paralysis or distinct symptomatology warranting separate compensable ratings.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination due to inadequate previous evaluations.

The Veteran's claims for hypertension, contact dermatitis, TBI residuals, gastrointestinal disorder, PTSD, shoulder disorders, hemorrhoids, cervical spine disability, migraine headaches, vision loss, testosterone imbalance, wrist and hand disorders, hip disorders, and insomnia are all remanded. Additionally, his claim for an increased rating for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities, a residual head injury scar, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss is also remanded. His TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including hypertension, contact dermatitis, TBI, and gastrointestinal disorders. The Veteran also had his TDIU claim remanded.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral wrist disabilities, bilateral knee disabilities, and hypertension as the evidence did not show these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board denied service connection for various disabilities, including respiratory issues and cardiovascular conditions, as they were not related to the Veteran's active duty or a service-connected disability.,Specifically, the Board found that the Veteran did not have a current respiratory disability other than pleural plaques, which was already service connected. The COPD he claimed was determined to be unrelated to his in-service asbestos exposure and secondary to tobacco use.

The Veteran's right wrist condition, PTSD, and bilateral hearing loss are all granted service connection. The issue of service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded.

The Veteran's left wrist tendonitis is rated at a 10 percent initial rating, effective from May 10, 2012.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for left and right arm pain, including as secondary to service-connected lumbar spine and bilateral shoulder disabilities. The Veteran's claim will be further evaluated with a VA examination to determine if his diagnosed CTS and ulnar compression of the elbows are related to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claim to reopen a previously denied bilateral hand disability was not granted as new and material evidence has not been received.,Moderate left carpal tunnel syndrome and mild ulnar neuropathy at the wrist and elbow were not service-connected, as they did not have their onset during active service or within one year of discharge.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for HIV and a wrist disability, finding that there was no evidence to support these conditions were incurred in or related to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, residuals of a tonsillectomy, gallbladder removal, and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome as they are not related to service or service-connected conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee and right wrist arthritis as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims file is incomplete and requires additional information from her service records, VA treatment records, and private medical providers. The claims are being remanded to ensure a complete record for review.

The Veteran is granted an annual clothing allowance for 2014 due to the wear and tear of her service-connected left knee, back, and wrist/thumb braces on her clothing.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his right wrist disability is being remanded due to the Veteran failing to appear at a scheduled VA examination. The Veteran will be provided another opportunity for a VA examination.