Wrist & hand Board decisions

The Veteran's left wrist disability, which is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on limitation of motion or ankylosis. The Board finds that the current evaluation adequately reflects the severity of his service-connected condition.

The Veteran's right carpal tunnel release and ulnar nerve surgery resulted in moderate disability, but the appeal is denied as his current symptoms do not warrant a higher rating. The temporary total rating for convalescence beyond November 30, 2009, was also denied.

The Veteran's current respiratory disability, diagnosed as a traumatic deviated nasal septum, was incurred during service and is granted.,The Veteran's current bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome was also incurred during service and is granted.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling examinations for certain conditions.

The Board has determined that the reduction of the rating for premature ventricular complexes from 30% to 10%, effective November 21, 2012, was proper. The remaining claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings, service connection, and new and material evidence have been denied. The left wrist disability is not rated higher than 10 percent. Service connection for cold weather injuries, vision impairment, and an acquired psychiatric disability are not established. New and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim of service connection for hypertension.

The Veteran's right wrist disability, which includes residuals of a right wrist fracture, is rated at 10 percent throughout the appeal period.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right and left CTS have been denied as there is no evidence of more than moderate incomplete paralysis during the appeal period.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to inadequate medical opinion in the prior examination report. The case will be readjudicated after obtaining additional evidence and an updated VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his authorized representative requesting the withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus and left carpal tunnel syndrome are related to his active service, granting service connection for these conditions. The right shoulder disability and left shoulder disability issues remain unresolved.

The evidence shows that the Veteran experiences, at worst, mild incomplete paralysis of the median nerve as a result of his service-connected right wrist carpal tunnel syndrome. The Board finds that this does not warrant an initial rating greater than 10 percent.

The Board denied an extraschedular rating higher than 10 percent for the Veteran's left wrist disability, finding that the current combined rating of 20 percent already adequately accounts for marked interference with employment.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining updated medical records and providing him with VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of her left thumb disability with residual scars. Any outstanding private and VA treatment records should also be obtained.

The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, carpal tunnel syndrome of the left wrist, and carpal tunnel syndrome of the right wrist. The competent and probative evidence did not establish a link between these conditions and active duty service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current right wrist/hand arthritis and its relationship to his service-connected conditions. A TDIU claim is also inextricably intertwined with these issues.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back, right shoulder, bilateral wrist, bilateral elbow, and bilateral knee disabilities due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 30 percent for residuals of a third metacarpal fracture of the right hand with carpal tunnel syndrome was denied as there is no evidence of mild, moderate, or severe incomplete paralysis of the lower radicular group.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current right wrist disability and therefore, service connection for this condition cannot be granted.