Wrist & hand Board decisions

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including PTSD, arthritis, a bilateral foot disability, and peripheral neuropathy. The appeals are based on direct evidence of these conditions without any presumption or secondary relationship to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome is being remanded for further examination and opinion regarding whether it is at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by his service-connected low back disability, specifically use of a cane.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for increased ratings for his service-connected ankle and wrist disabilities, as well as for earlier effective dates. The claims were not supported by the evidence of record at the time of the February 1970 rating decision.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was not received to reopen the claim for service connection of carpal tunnel syndrome, resulting in a denial.

The Veteran's stomach cancer and adrenal adenoma were not found to be related to service or herbicide exposure. The right wrist disability was also not found to be related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left ear hearing loss is related to in-service acoustic trauma and grants service connection for this condition. The right wrist fracture claim was withdrawn prior to a decision, so it is dismissed.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection for a bilateral foot disorder and carpal tunnel syndrome of the right upper extremity before a decision was made by the Board.

The Veteran's skin/fungal disability is presumed to be due to herbicide exposure in Vietnam. The right wrist disability claim has been reopened, but the rating and effective date are pending further development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any left thumb disability and carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Veteran's multiple-joint arthritis, left and right knee patella tendonitis, and left wrist ganglion cyst were all found to be likely incurred during his active military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found no residuals of left great toenail removal, no compensable rating for the scar on the wrist, and no rating in excess of 10 percent for right thumb injury.

The Board has determined that there is no competent and credible evidence showing a nexus between the current right hand numbness, from right baby finger to right wrist and hand, and service. The Veteran's claim for service connection for low back strain was denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development and an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's cubital tunnel syndrome of the right hand.

Service connection for thoracic spine degenerative disc disease was granted, effective January 26, 2009. The Veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and cervical spine degenerative disc disease were not service connected.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his exposure to herbicides while stationed in Korea.

The Veteran's appeal was timely filed, and the issues of entitlement to service connection for his claimed conditions remain in appellate status.

The Veteran's gout is rated at 40 percent, and his ankylosis of the left wrist warrants a separate 20 percent rating. The combined ratings do not exceed the maximum allowed under VA regulations.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination. The Veteran's claims will be reconsidered based on all evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome is likely due to his service, and thus granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from participating in substantially gainful employment for the period prior to May 14, 2012.