Wrist & hand Board decisions

The Veteran's right wrist disability, including the navicular fracture and DJD, has been rated at 30 percent effective September 26, 2014. Prior to this date, a higher rating is not warranted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chloracne is granted, as it is presumed to have been incurred due to herbicide exposure. The right wrist arthritis claim remains pending.

The Board has determined that an addendum to the May 2010 VA examination is necessary before a decision can be reached on this matter.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, finding that these conditions are at least as likely as not related to her period of active duty training (ACDUTRA).

The Veteran's appeals for earlier effective dates and initial ratings have been withdrawn. The appeal for a temporary total rating due to right wrist fusion is dismissed.

The Veteran does not have a current left hand or left wrist disability that was caused by his service.

The Veteran has withdrawn all his appeals, including those for increased ratings and service connection claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left wrist disability, right knee degenerative joint disease, hiatal hernia and GERD, and right eye retinal detachment did not have onset in service or were not caused by his active military service.

The Board denied reopening the claim of service connection for a right wrist ganglion cyst, finding that new evidence did not provide a more complete picture of the circumstances surrounding the origin of the Veteran's condition.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to the RO for scheduling a video conference hearing before a Veterans Law Judge. The issues of increased rating and new and material evidence are held in abeyance pending the hearing.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbosacral degenerative disc disease and bilateral L5-S1 radiculopathy, but denied service connection for cervical spine muscle spasms, left upper extremity radiculopathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, osteoarthritis, ischemic heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right wrist disorder and a left hand disability due to lack of evidence showing a link between these conditions and his active military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions are not related to his service and have denied both claims.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including Anxiety Disorder, NOS with subclinical features of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Generalized Anxiety, and Depressive Disorder, NOS, is found to be service-connected. The Board also finds that the Veteran has current diagnoses for his back, wrists, and shoulders conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's right wrist disability, including reconciling medical records showing various diagnoses. The Veteran is also asked to provide any outstanding treatment records from September 2016.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for his right wrist disability. The claims of service connection for bilateral shoulder pain, mild degenerative facet joints with chronic low back strain, and bilateral knee strain are pending.

The Veteran's right wrist disability, rated at 40 percent since November 15, 2010, is now rated at 50 percent effective July 1, 2014. The Veteran's right upper extremity loss of use claim remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of outstanding VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case due to incorrect contact information and scheduling issues for previously scheduled VA examinations and a videoconference hearing.