Wrist & hand Board decisions

The appeal is granted to the extent of remanding for service connection and TDIU issues. The Board has determined that the Veteran's timely substantive appeal was received on August 28, 2013.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right wrist tendonitis is a separate entity from his preexisting right thumb injury and causally connected to an in-service injury, thus granting service connection for right wrist tendonitis.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss is granted. The issue of an initial compensable rating for residuals of left wrist fracture remains on appeal, as the Veteran has not withdrawn his request to continue the appeal. Service connection for allergic rhinitis with deviated septum prior to August 24, 2016, and in excess of 10 percent since that date is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left knee disability, finding that his current diagnosis of arthritis is related to an in-service injury. The right wrist claim was remanded due to conflicting findings and need for additional examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for right wrist and low back disabilities, finding no current diagnoses or evidence of in-service injuries that would support these claims.

The Veteran's claim for higher SMC under Section 1114(o) was denied as he did not meet the criteria for any of the rates provided in Sections 1114(l), (m), (n), or (o). The Board found that his service-connected disabilities have not resulted in anatomical loss or use of both arms, hands, legs, feet, or eyes, nor has he been permanently bedridden or helpless as to need regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, but only partially. Service connection is established for obstructive sleep apnea and anxiety disorder. Bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities are not service-connected.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to ensure that his claims are evaluated in a thorough and proper manner.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for appropriate VA examinations to evaluate his service-connected disabilities. The issue of service connection for a cervical spine disorder was previously remanded.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims, including service connection for various conditions such as plantar fasciitis, wrist pain, bilateral hearing loss, paresthesias of the left fingers, a psychiatric disorder (to include depression), hand pain, and knee pain. The Veteran is not eligible for compensation benefits for any disabilities that began in or are etiologically related to his second period of active service from December 2001 through August 2007.

The Veteran's PTSD was increased to a 70% rating effective September 29, 2011. The Board granted an earlier effective date of October 2, 2012 for the TDIU and DEA benefits.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and remand of initial compensable ratings are all REMANDED due to the need for additional examinations with proper range of motion testing.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome as the evidence did not show it was incurred in or related to service.

The Veteran's CTS of the left hand has been rated at 30 percent since March 2, 2007 to June 24, 2013.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a more contemporaneous examination of his right wrist disability. Service connection claims for tinnitus and right thumb injury are referred to the AOJ.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities cause the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, and she is entitled to SMC based on this need. The effective date for her entitlement to housebound status is December 11, 2013.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the severity of his right hand and wrist disabilities, including ankylosis and range of motion. The issue remains about establishing a higher initial rating for his service-connected residuals of a right hand fracture.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claims of entitlement to service connection for left shoulder, right wrist, and back disabilities secondary to a service-connected left knee disability. The Veteran's history of falls due to his weak left knee extensor mechanism is considered in determining whether these conditions are related to his service-connected condition.

The Veteran requested withdrawal of the appeal regarding his depression claim, and the Board has dismissed this issue.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are not supported by the evidence of record and have been denied.