Wrist & hand Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to the receipt of a request for withdrawal prior to the Board issuing a decision.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete medical records and further examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's left wrist disorder is related to service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete medical records and further examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's left wrist disorder is related to service.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding increased ratings for various conditions, including obstructive sleep apnea, right ankle degenerative joint disease, lumbar spine degenerative changes, left lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic branch), right shoulder degenerative joint disease, left shoulder degenerative joint disease, tinnitus, heart disorder, and other related conditions. The appeals are dismissed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings or service connection.

The Veteran's esophageal cancer, bilateral wrist disorder, and left knee disorder are not service-connected.,Service connection was denied for all issues due to lack of evidence linking the conditions to military service.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to a decision being made.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeal regarding his claim for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. The right ear hearing loss claim was denied in October 2001, and no new and material evidence was received during the subsequent appeals period. The left ear hearing loss is rated as noncompensable due to its mild nature. Peripheral vascular disease claimed as circulatory disorder has not been linked to service.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as his service-connected conditions do not warrant higher initial ratings.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining a new VA examination and obtaining outstanding treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's right wrist disability is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, and the Board finds no basis to grant a higher rating. The issue of entitlement to TDIU has been remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the injuries sustained in a May 1982 motor vehicle accident were not incurred in the line of duty due to the Veteran's own willful misconduct and intoxication. As such, service connection for any disabilities stemming from this incident is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) was not incurred in service, as there is no evidence of CTS during his active duty or ACDUTRA. The claim for service connection is therefore denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to follow a substantially gainful occupation, and he has maintained employment throughout the appeal period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee, right carpal tunnel syndrome and cervical spine conditions are not related to his military service. The claims for these conditions have been denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for osteoarthritis of the right wrist and left forearm were denied by the RO. The Board found that the current rating assigned adequately reflects the severity of his service-connected right wrist disability.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his service-connected hand arm vibration syndrome and carpal tunnel syndrome were denied. The Board found that the current disability evaluations adequately compensate the Veteran for these service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left lower extremity is currently rated at 20 percent under Diagnostic Code 8526. The February 2017 VA examination indicated that the severity of his left lower extremity radiculopathy was moderate, warranting a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.