Wrist & hand Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found that new and material evidence was not received to reopen the claim of right shoulder disability, but left knee arthritis is service connected. The Veteran's right knee disabilities are rated based on limitation of motion.

The Veteran's application to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for diabetes was denied. The evidence received since the October 2006 decision did not relate to injury or disease in service or a nexus between post-service disability and service.,The Veteran's application to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (major depression) was denied. The evidence received since the October 2006 decision did not relate to injury or disease in service or a nexus between post-service disability and service.,The Veteran's application to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for tinnitus was granted. The evidence received since February 2009 addressed the unestablished fact of a current disability, which is new and material.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions did not preclude him from securing and following all forms of substantially gainful employment that are consistent with his education and occupational experience prior to July 26, 2016.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including severe osteoarthritis in his knees and degenerative joint disease of the spine, have rendered him unable to dress, feed himself, or perform daily activities without significant assistance. The Board finds that he meets the criteria for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance from another person.

The Veteran's bilateral knee disability and left wrist disability have been granted service connection, with the effective date for the left wrist disability being February 27, 1988.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including a VA examination and obtaining additional treatment records. The Veteran's right wrist fracture pre-existed service but may have been aggravated by active duty service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left wrist disability, including degenerative joint disease and positive ulnar variance, is related to his in-service motorcycle accident. As a result, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's cervical radiculitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and restless leg syndrome were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The Board denied service connection for these conditions as they are considered secondary to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's back disability, including degenerative disc disease and degenerative joint disease, is at least as likely as not etiologically related to the Veteran's active service. The Board finds that the criteria for service connection are met.

The Veteran's musculocutaneous nerve entrapment with carpal tunnel syndrome of the right upper extremity is currently rated at 50 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 8515. The Board finds that this rating adequately reflects the severity and symptoms of his disability.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to a need for an addendum to the VA examination.

The Board has granted a rating of 20 percent for the Veteran's lower back strain, which is the maximum available under the applicable criteria. The Veteran's left wrist disability remains at a 10 percent evaluation as there is no evidence of ankylosis or other conditions that would warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU has been granted because his service-connected disabilities render him unemployable.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increase ratings on the issues of left hand weakness, left wrist fracture residuals, left shoulder DJD residuals and left hip arthritis prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran's TBI was found to be related to service, and he is now granted service connection for a traumatic brain injury.

The Veteran's post-operative residuals of a right wrist fracture and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine are currently rated at 10 percent each, with no higher ratings granted. The RO found that the current evaluations adequately reflect the severity of these conditions.

The Board has granted a clothing allowance for the year 2014 due to wear and tear on the Veteran's clothing caused by his service-connected knee braces and wrist splints, despite the VAMC finding that there were no exposed metal or plastic inserts in the braces.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine, low back, right and left carpal tunnel syndrome, and right knee disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome is not service connected as it is not related to his in-service exposure to toxic chemicals, and the claim must be denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including ulnar nerve entrapment, knee disabilities, shoulder disability, neck disability, pes planus, foot neuroma, and carpal tunnel syndrome. The reduction in evaluation for DDD of the lumbar spine was also found to be improper.