Wrist & hand Board decisions

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for various conditions have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew her requests to pursue these issues.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to failure to report for a scheduled Board hearing and other procedural issues.

The Veteran's arthritis of the cervical spine was found to have manifested within one year of separation from active service, warranting presumptive service connection.,There is no evidence of rheumatoid arthritis or any other diagnosed condition in the elbows, wrists, and hips during service. The Veteran does not currently have a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.

The Veteran's prostate cancer was not incurred or aggravated in service. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a current diagnosis of prostate cancer.,VA examinations have been conducted to determine the etiology of the Veteran's back disorder, hypertension, colon cancer, and arthritis of multiple joints. Further examination is needed to provide an adequate medical opinion on these issues.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease and multiple orthopedic conditions, rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation from December 11, 2015.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling a neurological examination and obtaining outstanding VA treatment records.

The Veteran's laryngopharyngeal reflux, also claimed as voice changes and weakening, was not found to meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's right wrist fracture resulted in residual pain but no compensable disability rating due to lack of physical findings.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple knee, wrist, and low back disabilities. The RO has assigned initial ratings for these conditions, but the Veteran disagrees with these determinations.

The Veteran's left hand carpal tunnel syndrome is granted service connection, and his right ring finger disability remains at a 20% rating.

The Board has granted service connection for right CTS, finding that the condition first manifested within one year of separation from active duty. The remaining issues are remanded due to incomplete VA examinations and need for additional evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current disabilities related to his claimed conditions, and therefore service connection cannot be granted for residuals of a right clavicle fracture, bicipital tendonitis, residuals of a right second or fourth finger fracture, and left wrist disability.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his right wrist disability has been denied as he is already receiving the maximum schedular rating. The issue of an extraschedular rating for his right wrist disability has also been referred to the Director of Compensation for consideration.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his service-connected conditions have been denied. The current ratings of 10 percent are maintained.

The Board has remanded the appeal to the RO for additional procedural development, including scheduling a video conference hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at VA's facility. The Veteran was sent letters with his current address in Omaha, Nebraska, but they were returned as undeliverable. The RO should attempt to contact the Veteran's attorney to ascertain his current address and contact information.

The Veteran's cervical spine disorder and bilateral hand disorder were not incurred in service and are not otherwise related to service. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with sciatica (lumbar spine disability) is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that he is entitled to a separate compensable rating for left lower extremity impairment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining medical opinions and records. The issues include service connection for various disabilities and a TDIU claim.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are denied as the earliest date of claim is March 13, 2009.

The Board has determined that service connection is not warranted for any of the claimed disabilities, as there is no evidence showing a nexus to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his TDIU and DEA benefits, left him in need of regular aid and attendance. The Board found that he met the criteria for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance.