Wrist & hand Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a cervical spine examination. The issue of service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome has also been raised.

The Veteran's low back disability and GERD were granted service connection, with the low back disability receiving a 40% initial rating.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected right wrist disability was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show ankylosis of the wrist, and therefore, the maximum schedular evaluation under Diagnostic Code 5215 could not be granted.,Regarding the TDIU claim, the Veteran's sole service-connected disability (right wrist) is rated at 10 percent. The criteria for a TDIU rating were not met as there was no single disability rated at least 40% or two disabilities each rated at least 40%, bringing the combined rating to 70%. Therefore, referral to the Director of Compensation and Pension Service for extraschedular consideration is required.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, warranting a TDIU rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability, to include as secondary to his right wrist disability. The evidence submitted since the November 2005 rating decision did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim.

The VA examiner found no evidence of chronic left wrist condition and opined that the current left wrist disability is less likely caused by or a result of the in-service injury. The Veteran's assertions about his symptoms are not supported by medical evidence.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral wrist pain has not been attributed to an identifiable disorder and did not manifest to a degree of at least 10 percent, thus denying service connection for his bilateral wrist disorder.

The Board finds that it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran's bilateral wrist arthritis was incurred in service, and grants his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations to determine the current severity of her conditions.

The Veteran's right wrist disability is currently rated at 10 percent, but the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The Board finds that the current 10 percent rating adequately reflects the severity of his service-connected condition.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings was withdrawn, and the left ankle disability is rated at 20% prior to April 27, 2011, but not more than 10% beginning from that date.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his right wrist disability, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation prior to July 24, 2012 and from that date.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the feet, ankles, hands, and wrists is found to be related to his presumed exposure to Agent Orange during service.

The Veteran's right upper extremity disability, characterized by episodic myotonia and carpal tunnel syndrome, does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent. Separate ratings are also denied as his symptoms do not warrant distinct evaluations.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his bilateral knee disabilities and left carpal tunnel syndrome, as well as service connection for nasal scars, were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for retropatellar pain syndrome of the right knee or left knee, or for left carpal tunnel syndrome prior to November 26, 2010. From November 26, 2010, the evidence did not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for left carpal tunnel syndrome. Service connection was granted for nasal scar residuals from service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations to address the issues on appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased initial ratings for her right wrist, right ankle, and left ankle disabilities are denied as there is no evidence of neurological impairment in the right wrist or a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis in either ankle. The current disability ratings assigned under Diagnostic Codes 5215-8515 and 5271 are found to be appropriate.

The Veteran seeks service connection for residuals of shrapnel wounds to his bilateral hands. The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the etiology of any current hand disabilities, including osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, chondrocalcinosis (CPPD), and peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's claim for bilateral hearing loss disability has not been reopened due to lack of new and material evidence. The left wrist condition is denied as there is no established link between the current condition and service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed upper extremity conditions, including carpal tunnel syndrome and ulnar nerve damage, did not have their onset in active service or are otherwise causally connected to his military service.