Wrist & hand Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal has been remanded due to the need for more current VA examinations and additional development of his claims. The issues include increased ratings for left shoulder disability, TMJ, and left cubital tunnel syndrome/left wrist disorder.

The Veteran seeks a total disability rating based on her service-connected disabilities, which include carpal tunnel syndrome of the right and left hands. The case is being remanded for additional development to determine the nature and severity of her upper extremity disabilities.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for the issues of entitlement to service connection for right upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome and entitlement to service connection for left upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Veteran's combined rating due to service-connected disabilities is 70%, which meets the criteria for a TDIU. However, his unemployability is not due to his service-connected conditions but rather to nonservice-connected cognitive dysfunction and retirement from two careers.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a bilateral hand disorder, including arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome, is being remanded due to the need for further development regarding the etiology of his CTS.

The Board denied service connection for blastomycosis and right thumb and wrist disability, finding that the Veteran's blastomycosis was not incurred or aggravated in service due to lack of evidence linking it to herbicide exposure. The right thumb and wrist disability claim is considered direct service connection as there is no indication of pre-existing condition noted at entry into service.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for his service-connected left wrist disability is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of updated treatment records.

The Veteran's left wrist tendonitis is found to be at least as likely as not related to service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's tendonitis of the wrists had its onset during active service and is granted service connection. The nature and etiology of any current bilateral leg disability, other than knee or hip, will be determined by further examination.

The Veteran's knee and wrist disabilities have been rated at 10 percent since September 8, 2010. The initial ratings for the right knee medial meniscus tear and pes bursitis, left knee sprain, and right wrist sprain are granted.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his right index finger condition was granted. The claim to reopen a previously denied service connection for right hand carpal tunnel syndrome remains pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a diagnosed low back disorder, and thus service connection for this condition is denied.

The Veteran's right wrist tendonitis is currently rated at a 10 percent disability evaluation, effective February 27, 2009. The appeal has been granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a TDIU rating as her combined evaluation is less than 60% and she does not have one disability rated at least 40% disabling. The Board finds that her service-connected conditions, alone, are not shown to preclude her from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional medical records to be obtained and for further adjudication of his claims.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral wrist disability, including carpal tunnel syndrome, is not related to his military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of any claimed conditions and therefore, service connection for these disabilities is denied.

The Veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome is service connected, but there is no evidence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy affecting the upper extremities. The skin disability claim will be remanded for further development.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and left wrist degenerative joint disease are all found to be related to service. The appeal is granted in full.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinion regarding the onset and continuity of service-connected left shoulder osteoarthritis. The Veteran's claims for carpal tunnel syndrome in both wrists remain under review.