Wrist & hand Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected scar on the right wrist is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The left wrist disability was rated as 10 percent prior to May 21, 2015, and the Veteran is now in receipt of the maximum rating available based on loss of use of his major hand.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation prior to October 16, 2015.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including scheduling VA examinations and obtaining updated treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right wrist disability does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent, as there is no evidence of ankylosis or involvement of two or more major joints. The maximum schedular rating for limitation of motion of the wrist is already assigned.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, a bilateral sciatic nerve disability, and a cervical spine disability. The RO also denied her increased rating claims for her knees.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, and DJD of the thumbs due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to concerns about his employment handicap and the need for extension of eligibility period. The AOJ will obtain records from his last employer, update VA treatment records, and have a Counseling Psychologist or Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor determine if he has a serious employment handicap.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities combine to a 90 percent disability rating, rendering him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to outstanding VA treatment records and private treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to a request for a hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals. The issues on appeal are related to his spine condition and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of either a right wrist disorder or bilateral foot disorder, and thus his claims for service connection are denied.

The Veteran's left foot tarsal tunnel syndrome is related to an injury he incurred in service, and the Board finds that service connection for this condition should be granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the minimum percentage requirements for award of a TDIU, and his disabilities are not shown to prevent him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hand and wrist disabilities are not related to his active duty service, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran is granted specially adapted housing due to multiple service-connected disabilities, including the loss or use of the left lower extremity and residuals of organic disease/injury affecting balance and propulsion. The issue of a special home adaptation grant is dismissed as moot.

The Veteran's appeal for a TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and examinations. The case will be referred to VA's Undersecretary for Compensation and Pension for extraschedular consideration.

The Veteran's service connection claims for PTSD, skin disorder, back disorder, left knee disorder, and right wrist disorder are denied. The Veteran is currently rated at 30 percent for his PTSD.

The Veteran's right hand and wrist median neuropathy are rated at 50 percent since December 18, 2015. The left hand and wrist median neuropathy are rated at 40 percent since December 18, 2015.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds no basis to grant a higher rating. The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities are each rated at 10 percent, and there is no basis for an increased rating. The Veteran has gout in his left ankle and foot, which warrants a compensable rating, but not separate ratings for the wrist and hand or great toe. The Veteran also has arthritis of the left great toe, which warrants a compensable rating.