Wrist & hand Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for initial compensable evaluations for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, erectile dysfunction, and gout were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's right wrist disability, characterized by a residual injury with ununited chip fracture of the ulna and a healed fracture of the sub-articular end of the radius, was not found to warrant an evaluation in excess of 20 percent.

The Veteran's overuse syndrome of the left hand is currently rated at 50 percent, which is the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 5216.,Special monthly compensation for loss of use of the left upper extremity is not warranted as his disability does not result in such a loss that would be equally well served by an amputation with prosthesis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him so helpless as to be in need of regular aid and attendance, warranting special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board has granted service connection for a psychiatric disorder and degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine, finding that these conditions are at least as likely as not related to service-connected disabilities. Service connection for right carpal tunnel syndrome is also granted.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for a right wrist disability was denied as there is no evidence of a formal or informal petition to reopen prior to January 7, 2009.

The Board has determined that there is no current hip disability, and thus the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hip arthritis cannot be granted. The claims for low back and right hand/wrist disabilities are also denied.

The Veteran's service-connected left wrist and elbow disabilities have been rated as 10 percent disabling. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating for either condition.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities is being remanded for further development, including the provision of an examination and consideration of whether his service-connected conditions alone rendered him unemployable prior to August 15, 2000.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and providing the Veteran with proper VCAA notice. The issues of service connection for a bilateral knee disability and hepatitis C are also being remanded as they were not properly adjudicated on their de novo basis.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and a VA examination to assess the current severity of his right wrist disability. The issue of entitlement to TDIU is also raised.

The Veteran is granted a VA clothing allowance for 2012 due to his service-connected left wrist and forearm disability causing wear or tear of his clothing.

The Veteran's bilateral wrist condition was caused by a VA-contracted procedure in which the doctor failed to exercise reasonable care, and thus meets the criteria for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Veteran's neurological residuals of a right wrist injury, characterized as carpal tunnel syndrome, were rated at 30 percent effective September 2012. The orthopedic residuals have been granted but not increased beyond the initial 10 percent assigned.

The Board has denied service connection for residuals of pneumonia and hepatitis C, finding that the Veteran's current diagnoses are not related to his military service. Service connection for bilateral wrist carpal tunnel syndrome is not addressed in this decision.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome of both wrists. The case is being remanded to obtain VA treatment records and to schedule a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination and the provision of updated treatment records. The case will be returned to the Board after this development.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to a lack of an examination and scheduling issues.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the etiology of his psychiatric disability and the severity of his left wrist ganglion cyst.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to missing VA treatment records and the need to consider the Veteran's participation in the VA Vocational Rehabilitation Program.