Wrist & hand Board decisions

The Veteran's left wrist disability, characterized by nonunion in the lower half of the ulna and incomplete paralysis of the median nerve, has been rated at 20 percent since September 1, 2003. This rating is effective from that date.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is rated as 10 percent disabling, effective July 1, 2010. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating for this condition.,For his left and right CTS, both rated at 10 percent, the Board finds no basis to grant a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of left ankle sprain, left plantar neuropathy, and right hand carpal tunnel syndrome have been granted. The claim for right shoulder tendonitis has resulted in a 20 percent evaluation prior to April 23, 2012, and the issue is remanded.

The Board has denied service connection for various hip, knee, ankle, foot, and hand disorders as well as bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that these conditions were not present during or related to service.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection, but his claims for left upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis of the left index finger and right hand are dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran.

The Board has determined that the Veteran should be afforded VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his current knee, ankle, foot, hand, finger, and wrist disabilities. Additionally, a VA examination is needed to assess the relationship between any kidney disability and service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of his left wrist and arm, left ankle, left heel, and right foot disabilities.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for various conditions have been dismissed. The Board also remanded several issues including increased ratings and new evidence claims.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the previously denied claim of service connection for residuals of heat casualty. Service connection is granted for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome (right hand). The claims of service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder and neurocognitive disorder remain pending.

The Board granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine (claimed as chronic sciatic nerve) and assigned a noncompensable rating. The Veteran's right wrist posttraumatic degenerative arthritis is rated at 10 percent, effective February 7, 2017. Her right hip trochanteric bursitis remains at 10 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently evaluated at 70 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available. The Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher evaluation as they are generally consistent with the criteria for a 70 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is rated at 70 percent disabling effective May 31, 2011. He was granted a TDIU based on PTSD from that date.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to inadequate VA examinations and inextricably intertwined issues.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings due to incomplete examination findings and functional loss. The Veteran will need a comprehensive VA examination to assess his arm, elbow, wrist, and hand injuries.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for low back, left knee, bilateral hip, and bilateral wrist conditions due to new evidence received since the previous denial decisions. The cases are now remanded for further examination and opinion regarding service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being REMANDED due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and arranging for examinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right wrist disability and an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hand locking and weakness, bilateral hearing loss disability, and tinnitus due to potential service connection issues. The claims will be reviewed again after additional examinations are conducted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left ankle, left wrist, and respiratory disabilities due to a lack of evidence demonstrating current diagnoses or functional impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD, left wrist disability, and CFS have been granted service connection. The case has also been remanded for further examination regarding the Veteran's CFS.