Wrist & hand Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than November 29, 2010 for the grant of service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity was denied as there is no evidence that the disability arose prior to this date.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for a higher rating for fibromyalgia, right carpal tunnel syndrome, and a separate rating for thoracic outlet syndrome.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hepatitis C, carpal tunnel syndrome, and numbness of the left leg due to inadequate examinations and incomplete evidence.

The Veteran's temporomandibular joint disease was rated at 30% effective December 1, 2006.,The Veteran's residuals of left wrist fracture were rated at 10% effective December 1, 2006.,The Veteran's cervical spine strain was rated at 20% effective December 1, 2006.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the nature and etiology of her claimed PTSD and right wrist disorder.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for increased ratings for cervical spine disability, lumbosacral strain, and left and right carpal tunnel disabilities prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran has withdrawn his service connection claims for a fracture of both collarbones, right wrist degenerative joint disease, and chest pain. As such, the appeal is dismissed.

The Board has found in favor of the Veteran, finding that his current right wrist musculoskeletal disability is related to his period of active service. The claim for service connection has been granted.

The Veteran's left wrist disability, which was previously rated at 20 percent prior to February 2, 2011, and now rated at 60 percent beginning from February 2, 2011, is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to improper scheduling of a video-conference hearing and incorrect notice of the hearing.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for service connection and increased ratings, as well as his eligibility for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on need for regular aid and attendance or at the housebound rate.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disorder and arthritis of the wrists, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.,There is insufficient evidence to establish a link between the Veteran's current low back and wrist disorders and his active duty service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities and carpal tunnel syndrome are being remanded due to procedural errors.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome was denied as there is no evidence of a link between his military service and the condition. The Board found that the Veteran did not exhibit symptoms consistent with carpal tunnel syndrome until after he left active duty, more than eight years later.

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity with carpal tunnel syndrome is characterized by mild impairment throughout the entire appeal period, warranting a 10% disability rating.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including congestive heart failure and disorders of the cervical spine, right wrist, left shoulder, and right hip. The decision is based on a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome of the right hand and herpes simplex keratitis affecting the eye were denied. The claim for an increased rating for his right knee disability was also denied.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was granted effective September 18, 2007, as he met the schedular criteria for a combined rating of at least 70% due to his service-connected disabilities and became unemployable on that date.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and found that new and material evidence had been received to reopen the claim. The Veteran's left wrist and left elbow disabilities are also considered, with a recommendation for further examination.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis has not met the criteria for a compensable rating.,Prior to January 25, 2010, the Veteran's GERD did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating. From January 25, 2010 onwards, his GERD symptoms have been sufficient to warrant a 30% rating.