Wrist & hand Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a videoconference hearing on all issues, including the claim of service connection for GERD.

The Board has granted service connection for a cervical spine/neck disorder and awarded a 10% disability rating for the left wrist ligament tear.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for degenerative disc disease of the thoracic and lumbar spine, and left wrist strain were denied by the Board.

The Veteran is unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities, and the Board has granted a TDIU effective July 18, 2015.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a low back disability was granted. The Board found that the Veteran's left carpal tunnel syndrome, right CTS, and foot disabilities were not entitled to increased ratings.

The Veteran's heart disability, including as due to herbicide exposure, is service-connected. However, his adjustment disorder with memory loss and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome are not found to be related to active duty service or service-connected conditions. His peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities is also not found to be related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to missing service medical records and incomplete etiology opinions.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as his conditions do not warrant an evaluation in excess of the current ratings for residuals of a gunshot wound to the right wrist, hand and foot.

The Veteran's service-connected right wrist disability is rated at 40 percent, effective August 31, 2009. The appeal for rheumatoid arthritis was denied.

The Veteran was granted service connection for the residuals of a left biceps injury, including reduced muscle strength. He is also granted a higher rating for his headaches starting from June 15, 2010.,A separate 10 percent rating is assigned for occasional dizziness related to his headaches.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings, reopening of service connection claims, and secondary service connection were denied. The right knee condition remains rated at 10 percent, tinnitus is assigned the maximum schedular evaluation, and no new evidence was received to reopen hearing loss, headaches, or left carpal tunnel syndrome claims.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as his left wrist disability, which includes a fracture and degenerative joint disease, does not warrant a rating higher than 10 percent.

The Veteran's bilateral wrist disabilities have been rated based on limitation of motion, and a higher rating is not warranted prior to January 25, 2010, for the left wrist, and beginning May 1, 2010; and prior to May 3, 2010, for the right wrist.

The Veteran does not have a diagnosed bilateral arm disability, including carpal tunnel syndrome. The Board finds that the claim must be denied as there is no evidence of an in-service injury or disease resulting in such disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining SSA records and a VA examination to assess the Veteran's left wrist disability.

The Veteran's left wrist disability, prior to February 3, 2012, did not present with ankylosis or other conditions that would warrant a higher rating. The current evaluation of 10 percent is the maximum allowed under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Board videoconference hearing. The issues include seeking higher ratings for low back strain, service connection for PTSD and migraines, left knee disability, and residuals of wrist fracture.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral wrist condition, including CTS and carpal tunnel syndrome, is not service-connected as there is no evidence to support a direct link between his in-service symptoms and current conditions.

The Veteran's left wrist disability, which includes status-post left wrist fracture and subsequent avascular necrosis of scaphoid bone, is currently rated at 40 percent. The claim for an increased rating has been denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating based on current symptoms. Additionally, the TDIU claim was also denied.