Wrist & hand Board decisions

The Veteran's right carpal tunnel syndrome and related conditions are found to be service-connected, with no new rating assigned.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the Veteran prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for post-operative residuals of a left wrist disability has been reopened. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder remains on the merits, with some issues granted and others not.

The Veteran's chronic joint problems, including as due to an undiagnosed illness or other qualifying chronic disability under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1117, were not found to be related to his service and are therefore denied.

The Board has denied service connection for headaches, blurred vision, and pes planus due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service. Service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome is pending as additional development is needed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including pain in the left hand and wrist, degenerative arthritis of the left knee with a Baker's cyst, and depression, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board grants total disability based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran is seeking compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for left ulnar mononeuropathy and carpal tunnel syndrome resulting from a surgical procedure in April 2008 at the VA Medical Center in Erie, Pennsylvania. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if there was substantial compliance with informed consent requirements.

The Veteran's current right wrist/hand condition is not service-connected, but the old fracture deformity of his right fifth metacarpal is found to be due to an in-service injury.

The Board finds that there is no credible evidence of a right upper extremity disability during or since service, and the only medical opinion evidence does not support a nexus between any current disability affecting the right upper extremity and service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates were denied. The Board found that the Veteran's neurogenic bowel warranted a 30 percent rating, which was the maximum schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 7332. For his left wrist scar, the VA examination did not show any instability or pain, thus preventing him from receiving an additional compensable rating.

The Veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome of the left wrist was rated at 40 percent from July 26, 2004 to December 14, 2011. The appeal for a higher evaluation is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for further development of his claims, including a VA examination regarding diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule him for a videoconference hearing at the appropriate RO.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for his service-connected non-united scaphoid fracture with ankylosis and traumatic arthritis, left wrist is being remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining medical records and providing an examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's right hand disorder, diagnosed as carpal tunnel syndrome and gout, was not incurred in or aggravated by service. The preponderance of evidence does not support a connection between his current symptoms and active duty.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted. He is now entitled to VA benefits for his right wrist tendonitis, epistaxis, and right knee disability.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for right hand disability has been withdrawn.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected degenerative joint disease of the left wrist, status post wrist fracture is being remanded due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to allow for additional development and consideration of his claims, including a VA examination to assess the impact of his service-connected conditions on his employability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD with depressive disorder and cervical strain, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment. The VA has determined that the Veteran is unemployable due to his service-connected conditions.