Wrist & hand Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in permanent and total disability that is due to the loss or loss of use of one or both lower extremities, precluding locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes or a wheelchair. The Board finds that this meets the criteria for specially adapted housing.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right shoulder and wrist disabilities were denied as there was no evidence of ankylosis or impairment of the contiguous joint, and the functional loss did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has granted service connection for a cervical spine disorder, bilateral wrist disorder (claimed as carpal tunnel syndrome), and bilateral foot disorder (other than pes cavus).

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's low back and left wrist disabilities, as well as scheduling a VA examination to determine their etiology. The issues of service connection are still pending.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for enhanced/higher SMC based on his multiple service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher evaluation for bilateral hearing loss is addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision. The Board finds that the criteria for a TDIU, as of March 24, 2011, have been met.

The Board has denied service connection for right and left upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome, finding no in-service manifestation or a nexus to service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected right wrist condition is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a new VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, when considered together, render her unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board found that the Veteran's current right hand and wrist disabilities, including right wrist drop, right upper extremity radial compression neuropathy, or right carpal tunnel syndrome, are not related to her active service. The Veteran does not have a current right knee disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome is not related to his service-connected impairment of the left knee and therefore denied service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new examination to assess the combined effects of his service-connected disabilities on his ability to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left ring finger, left shoulder, right knee, and left knee conditions have been denied.,Service connection was granted for a left wrist condition (rated as 10 percent disabling), GERD (rated as 10 percent disabling), lumbosacral strain (rated as 10 percent disabling), and left ear hearing loss (rated as 10 percent disabling).

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining employment records and a new VA examination.

The Veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome of the right hand was restored to a 50% disability rating effective July 1, 2013. The left hand condition remains at a 40% disability rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to provide her with a Board video conference hearing on the issues of service connection for various conditions and increased ratings.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD and granted a rating in excess of 10 percent for healed fracture, left wrist. The issue of entitlement to a compensable rating for healed fracture, right thumb is being remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including COPD, lumbar spondylosis, carpal tunnel syndrome of the upper extremities, varicose veins, and weakness in the legs, were denied as there is no credible evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's right wrist disability is rated at a 10 percent rating, effective August 23, 2010. The left thigh scars are not currently on appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities necessitate the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, as evidenced by his significant limitations due to his service-connected lower extremity disabilities.