Wrist & hand Board decisions

The Board found that the reduction of the evaluation for carpal tunnel syndrome of the right wrist from 50 to 10 percent effective March 1, 2010 was proper based on evidence showing improvement in the condition.

The Board has denied the claim of secondary service connection for a left hand/wrist disorder as there is no competent medical evidence establishing a link between the current left hand/wrist disorder and the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of left wrist injury and muscle injuries to left ring and little fingers, with amputation of distal phalanx of the left ring finger are currently rated at 20 percent. The December 2009 VA examination showed severe limitation of motion in the left wrist joint (10 degrees dorsiflexion) and limited palmar flexion (35 degrees), which meets the criteria for a 10 percent disability rating under DC 5215. No higher rating is warranted as there was no ankylosis or other disabling conditions present.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for his left wrist condition is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and private medical records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current hearing loss disability for VA compensation purposes and therefore, service connection is denied. For his left wrist disability claim, the Board finds that an examination was conducted but further development is needed as the examiner did not address whether the claimed condition is related to service.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal of the claims seeking higher initial ratings for PTSD and disabilities of the low back, left knee, right ankle, and right wrist.

The case is being remanded for further development, including adjudicating the Veteran's claims for higher ratings of his service-connected disabilities and considering a TDIU under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(b).

The Veteran's claims for service connection and reopening of previously denied claims are being remanded due to inadequate VCAA notice.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and right lateral epicondylitis are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining service personnel records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, pseudofolliculitis barbae (claimed as acne vulgaris), dermatitis, degenerative joint disease of the right knee, degenerative joint disease of the left knee, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have been denied. The Board found that there is no evidence of a current hearing loss disability meeting VA criteria.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling examinations to determine the current severity of her claimed conditions.

The Veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome of the left hand has been rated at 10 percent since its effective date, reflecting moderate incomplete paralysis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, while sufficient to meet the schedular requirements for a TDIU, do not preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration (SSA) records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the current severity of her service-connected right wrist disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a right wrist disorder, right knee disorder, right foot disorder (including arthritis), back disorder (including arthritis), bilateral hearing loss, fungus infections of the ears, residuals of a perforated left eardrum, tonsillitis, spot on the left lung, or hemorrhoids. The skin condition is also denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including scheduling a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the RO and notifying the Veteran of his right to appoint another representative if he chooses.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining a VA examination to determine the current nature and etiology of any bilateral wrist disorders found to be present. The Veteran must report for this examination or provide adequate notice if unable to do so.

The Board determined that the Veteran's conditions did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes, resulting in denial of his claims.

The Veteran's left wrist disability, characterized by limitation of motion without ankylosis, is currently rated at 10 percent and the claim for a higher rating is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected low back, left knee, and left wrist disabilities.