Wrist & hand Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for his service-connected wrist and ankle tendonitis, as well as elbow epicondylitis, were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on current symptoms or functional impairment.

The Veteran's bilateral wrist disability was granted service connection, but the initial rating for pes planus remains denied. The Veteran is now rated at 30 percent for his pes planus as of June 15, 2013.

The Veteran requested withdrawal of her appeal regarding the issues of bilateral hallux valgus and left wrist disability, which has been granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his mood disorder, degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine, left sided leg weakness, and tinnitus, have rendered him unable to perform activities of daily living without regular aid and attendance from another person. His need for such assistance is due to his severe lower extremity weakness caused by his service-connected degenerative disc disease.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations. The Veteran's claim for Dependents' Educational Assistance under Chapter 35 remains on appeal.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for bilateral wrist disabilities and a right elbow disability, which he claims are related to an incident in service where he fell off a vehicle. The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the claims can be decided.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral arm, elbow, wrist, and low back disorders are being remanded due to the need for further development including a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection have been withdrawn due to the assignment of a higher rating for mood disorder with depression.

The Board has remanded the claims due to incomplete development, and further examination is required before a decision can be made.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (PTSD and diabetes mellitus) have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since October 21, 2005. The Board has granted his claim for TDIU effective from that date.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative joint disease in the left knee and right wrist, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are due to injuries sustained during his active duty service.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for increased ratings for COPD and a scar, as well as service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome. The RO is directed to obtain VA treatment records, conduct a new examination for the left arm scar, and develop the TDIU claim.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for his service-connected actinic purpura with scarring associated with a fractured left wrist and arthritis has been withdrawn.

The Board has determined that the appellant's right hand tendonopathy with carpal tunnel syndrome warrants a separate initial evaluation of 10 percent for carpal tunnel syndrome, effective from March 31, 2009.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected left wrist disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and right wrist disorder are related to his military service, granting service connection for both conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed disabilities, including residuals of left elbow injury, left wrist injury, right knee and leg injury, rib fracture, and neck sprain, are not related to active service.

The Veteran's right wrist surgery required continued convalescence from April 1 to 29, 2010. The Board finds that the criteria for an extension of a temporary total rating are met.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for her service-connected hysterectomy with scar, degenerative joint disease of the left shoulder, degenerative joint disease of the left wrist, right lung scarring, left breast scar, and right forearm scar. The appeals were based on direct service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative joint disease of the left wrist and frostbite residuals of cold weather injury (frostbite) were denied. The claim for an initial compensable rating for a left wrist scar was granted with a 0% rating.