Wrist & hand Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities combine to make him unemployable, and the Board grants entitlement to TDIU.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and denied service connection for low back condition. The right wrist condition claim is remanded for additional development.

The Board has granted an effective date of December 19, 2007 for the grant of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU), finding that the Veteran's left-wrist-related service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's bilateral wrist disability, including carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), is service-connected as it developed due to her extensive typing duties during active military service. The cervical spine and upper extremity disorders are also service-connected.

The Board has determined that service connection is not established for any of the claimed disabilities, including a low back disability, disorders of the bilateral eyes, major depression, and disabilities of the bilateral wrists and hands.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's employability and the combined effect of his service-connected disabilities. The Veteran needs a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected conditions and determine if they render him unemployable.

The Veteran's asthma is being remanded for additional development. Her joint pain and swelling are also being remanded, as the nature of her disability needs to be determined.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for high cholesterol, initial ratings in excess of 10 percent for carpal tunnel syndrome of both upper extremities, and an initial compensable rating for central serous choroidopathy with recurring neovascularization.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher initial disability ratings for her service-connected bilateral wrist De Quervain's tenosynovitis, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional VA treatment records and providing a TDIU examination. The Veteran's right wrist disorder is being considered in determining whether he can maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete medical records and need for an addendum opinion regarding service connection for bilateral wrist carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is not service-connected, as it is secondary to a pre-existing low back disability.,Hearing loss and hypertension are not service-connected.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and provide a comprehensive opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right carpal tunnel syndrome and lumbar degenerative disc disease with right lower extremity radiculopathy are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's left and right wrist disorders, including whether they are related to service or any undiagnosed illness from serving in the Persian Gulf War.

The Veteran's claim for a certificate of eligibility for financial assistance in the purchase of an automobile and adaptive equipment, or adaptive equipment is granted due to his service-connected disabilities resulting from a stroke.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine, right wrist, left wrist, right hand (palm disorder), left hand (palm disorder), right shoulder, left shoulder osteoarthritis, right knee, and left knee disorders are not service-connected.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right hand and forearm disorder, as well as his right wrist scar, were incurred in service. The Veteran is therefore granted service connection for these conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including scheduling a videoconference hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a chronic bilateral wrist disorder during service or within one year thereafter, and the Veteran did not report any symptoms at service separation. The VA examiner concluded that the current bilateral wrist strains are less likely than not incurred in service.