Wrist & hand Board decisions

The Board found that the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for a left wrist disability and denied both issues on appeal.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for flexor tendonitis of the right wrist is being remanded due to unclear service connection status and potential need for separate ratings based on neurological and orthopedic criteria.

The Board has granted a TDIU rating based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his depression.

The Board finds that the overpayment of VA disability compensation benefits was not properly created as it was solely due to VA administrative error. The Veteran's claim for waiver of the overpayment is granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of records.

The Board found that the Veteran's right wrist disability does not meet or approximate criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent, as there was no evidence of ankylosis and his symptoms were primarily related to nonservice-connected cervical radiculopathy.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a current disability related to service for any of the claimed conditions.,VA examinations and medical records do not support a finding that any of these conditions are related to active duty.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity does not meet or approximate criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent.,The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity does not meet or approximate criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent.,For the period prior to June 30, 2009, the Veteran's left hand median nerve focal neuropathy (carpal tunnel syndrome) meets criteria for a 30 percent rating.,The Veteran's left hand median nerve focal neuropathy (carpal tunnel syndrome) from June 30, 2009 onwards does not meet or approximate criteria for a rating in excess of 30 percent.,The Veteran's right hand median nerve focal neuropathy (carpal tunnel syndrome) meets criteria for a 20 percent rating.

The Veteran's appeal of service connection for hypertension has been withdrawn. The Board has granted service connection for left wrist tendonitis and bilateral pes planus.,Service connection is granted for a right shoulder disorder, left wrist tendonitis, and bilateral pes planus.

The Board found no evidence of a current disability related to service and denied the Veteran's claims for bilateral carpal and cubital tunnel syndrome, as well as his claim for an increased rating for anxiety and depressive disorder.

The Veteran's claim for increased special monthly compensation based on the need for a higher level of aid and attendance is denied as he does not meet the criteria for such an increase.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional records related to his treatment for wrist and back symptomatology. The service connection claims will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his employment and medical records, as well as a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected right wrist disability.

The Veteran's left forearm disorder is at least as likely as not related to his active duty service. The Board grants the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for right hand carpal tunnel syndrome is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his morphine addiction and pain management, caused or contributed to his death by overdose. Therefore, the cause of death is deemed service connected.

The Veteran's left wrist and right elbow disabilities have not been found to warrant a disability rating higher than the currently assigned 10 percent ratings.

The Board has determined that there is no current diagnosed elbow disorder, and thus service connection for an elbow disorder cannot be granted. The wrist disorders are not found to have been caused or aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's left upper extremity and cervical spine disabilities were not shown in service or for many years thereafter, and the most probative evidence fails to link these conditions to service.,The Board also determined that there was no causal connection between the Veteran's current cervical spine disability and his right ankle arthritis and sprain.

The Board has granted service connection for right carpal tunnel syndrome, left carpal tunnel syndrome, and a right elbow scar. The conditions are considered to be directly related to the Veteran's active duty service.