Wrist & hand Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's appeal for service connection for right carpal tunnel syndrome was withdrawn. The claim of service connection for heat urticaria remains denied as new and material evidence has not been received to reopen it.

The Veteran's left forearm disability, including carpal tunnel syndrome and epicondylitis, is currently rated at 30 percent. A separate evaluation for arthritis or epicondylitis of the left elbow is granted.

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

The Board has remanded both issues for additional development due to inadequate examination reports. The Veteran's cervical spine disorder and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome claims are being returned for further consideration.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected right elbow and wrist disabilities do not warrant a disability rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected right wrist disability is not rated higher than the currently assigned 10 percent for residuals of a right distal radius fracture with traumatic arthritis.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen several service connection claims, but the evidence is not sufficient to establish service connection for all of the conditions listed.

The Veteran has been granted service connection for right elbow cubital tunnel syndrome and right carpal tunnel syndrome.,Service connection is also granted for left carpal tunnel syndrome, which was previously granted in a prior decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a videoconference hearing due to her request. The issues of service connection and initial ratings remain pending.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound is denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating and TDIU have been remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Veteran's right wrist disability is currently rated at 30 percent, and the evidence does not support a higher rating as his wrist remains ankylosed in a favorable position.

The Veteran's combined disability rating is 80%, meeting the schedular requirements for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. However, he is currently employed in a stable IT job and has successfully completed his associate's degree, indicating that his service-connected conditions do not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal of the issues of nonservice-connected pension benefits and special monthly pension by reason of being in need of regular aid and attendance or on account of being housebound. The Board is dismissing these claims.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral wrist disabilities, including CTS, as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected knee disorders. The examiner opined that the wrist conditions were less likely than not caused by or increased in severity due to the service-connected knee disorders.

The Veteran's schizoaffective disorder is found to be aggravated by her service-connected PTSD, warranting service connection.,Service connection for a bilateral wrist disorder is denied as there is no evidence of chronic disability in service or within one year post-service.

The Board has remanded the case due to missing service records and the need for a VA examination to determine if any current bilateral hand neurological disability, including carpal tunnel syndrome, is related to inservice frostbite.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to a failure to report to a VA examination and to obtain additional medical records.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant, and thus the case is dismissed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a neurological disorder of the left upper extremity, finding that his symptoms are related to his already service-connected left shoulder disability and not due to an in-service injury or exposure.