Wrist & hand Board decisions

The Board has granted an effective date of September 29, 2008 for the grant of service connection for right wrist ulnar dysfunction and a 30 percent rating for tinea versicolor. The Veteran's original claims were received on these dates.

The Veteran's bilateral wrist, knee, and ankle disabilities were incurred in service. The Veteran's left ear hearing loss disability was caused by service. Tinnitus was also found to be incurred in service. Service connection for lumbar spondylosis and left lower extremity radiculopathy is granted.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right wrist disability.

The Board has ordered the case REMANDED to the AOJ for issuance of a supplemental statement of the case addressing all issues currently on appeal, including consideration of additional evidence added to the record since the August 2012 statement of the case.

The Veteran has been granted service connection for residuals of bilateral photo refractive keratectomy, right wrist disability (IBS), and a disability manifested by incoordination, excessive sweating, feeling faint, feeling weak, joint pain, low energy, muscle pain, and muscle weakness. These conditions are presumed to be due to Gulf War exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome was not present during service and is unrelated to his service-connected cubital tunnel syndrome. Therefore, service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral upper extremity disorders, carpal tunnel syndrome, and peripheral neuropathy are not related to his active military service or to his service-connected lumbar and thoracic spine disorders.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left wrist disorder, arthritis, and TFCC dysfunction are not service connected. The claim for service connection was denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a TDIU was denied as there were no pending claims prior to October 1, 2012 and the criteria for a schedular TDIU had not been met.

The Veteran's appeal involves claims for service connection for various lower and upper extremity disorders, including peripheral neuropathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, and a left foot disorder. The Board has determined that additional examinations are needed to determine the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's left wrist condition does not meet the criteria for an initial compensable evaluation.

The Veteran's skin disorder is rated as noncompensably disabling, and his right wrist disability is currently rated at 10 percent since February 9, 2008. The appeal for higher ratings or additional benefits related to these conditions has been denied.

The Veteran sustained an injury to the right wrist in service and has had midcarpal arthritis since then. The Board finds that the current right wrist disability is due to the in-service injury, granting service connection.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected left wrist fracture and ulnar styloid is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the range of pronation.

The Veteran's skin condition of the body was not found to be related to service, but his lichen planus was granted as a new and material issue. The Board did not find a link between the Veteran's current skin conditions and his periods of active duty.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension with a 10 percent disability rating and an effective date of February 6, 2009. The Veteran's claim for earlier effective dates is addressed in the remand portion.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea was denied as there is no medical evidence showing a link between the condition and his military service or any service-connected disabilities.,For the period prior to April 23, 2014, the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral plantar fasciitis. The current disability does not result in severe impairment.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his left wrist disability from January 1, 2007 through December 3, 2008 was denied by the Board.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a left wrist disorder or back disorder that is related to his military service. The claims for service connection are denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and conducting further examinations.