Wrist & hand Board decisions

The Board denied an increased evaluation for the Veteran's right wrist disability, finding that the evidence did not support a rating higher than the current 10 percent assigned based on painful motion and degenerative changes.

The Veteran's claims for an initial compensable disability rating for left wrist fracture and service connection for a left wrist scar are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on all issues related to muscle weakness, vertigo, stomach condition, brittle nails, dental problems, diabetes mellitus, right lower extremity neuropathy, left lower extremity neuropathy, right upper extremity neuropathy, left upper extremity neuropathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, impotence, and hypertension have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's right wrist disability, characterized by pain and limited motion, does not warrant a rating in excess of the current 10 percent assigned.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling a VA psychiatric examination to assess the severity of his PTSD and its impact on employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disability does not warrant a higher initial rating in excess of 10 percent, and thus denied his claim for an increased rating. The service-connected left wrist disability was also addressed but is no longer part of the appeal as it was granted service connection.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for higher disability ratings under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome of the right hand and radiculopathy of the right upper extremity are not service connected, as there is no evidence to support a finding that these conditions began during active service or are otherwise related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.

The Veteran's headaches are found to be secondary to his service-connected SPS and/or cervical spine disability.,There is no currently diagnosed left hand condition, but the Veteran's reports of pain may be related to his service-connected SPS.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluation of thoracolumbar strain, service connection for right ankle disability and right foot disability, as well as a disability of the right thumb, hand, and wrist were all granted.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the right ulnar neuropathy claim, and the case is dismissed. The right wrist disability increased rating claim has been remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for sleep apnea and hypertension, as well as increased ratings for other conditions. Additional development is needed to obtain complete STRs and SPRs, conduct a VA examination, and provide the Veteran with an SOC.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including hypertension, a chipped tooth, thyroid disorder, right knee disorder, left wrist ganglion cyst, left wrist carpal tunnel syndrome, and TMJ. The appeals are now pending before the Board.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including new VA examinations and consideration of newly added evidence.

The Veteran's application for a clothing allowance was denied because he does not have service-connected disabilities that affect his ankles, wrists, or skin. His use of medication and wrist braces did not cause damage to his clothing.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to outstanding records and need for examinations.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to have had onset in service and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's left wrist disability, which includes degenerative arthritis and ankylosis, is rated at 40 percent since August 25, 2010.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to their death. The Board does not have jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this appeal at this time.