Wrist & hand Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found no evidence of current diagnoses or symptoms that would warrant an increased rating for his right knee disability, and denied the claims for bilateral shin splints, right elbow pain, and bilateral wrist strain. However, by extending the benefit of doubt to the Veteran, his lumbosacral strain was determined to be service-connected.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, joint pain, and skin rashes is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine if these conditions are related to his military service. The exposure basis is presumed herbicide exposure in Vietnam.

The Veteran's combined rating for service-connected disabilities is 100%, meeting the percentage requirements for a TDIU. However, the weight of medical opinion and other evidence indicates that his service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable.

The Board has determined that further development of the Veteran's claim is warranted, including obtaining an addendum opinion from a VA examiner regarding whether her service-connected bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome caused or aggravated her degenerative arthritis of the wrists and hands.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for unspecified arthritis (other than the left wrist), a left testicular cyst, and a perirectal abscess have been denied as there is no current evidence of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims of entitlement to compensation under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for a post-operative left wrist disability, to include lipoma excision residuals, and an anxiety disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional evidentiary development.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to deficiencies in previous VA examinations and the need to obtain private treatment records.

The Veteran's current service-connected disabilities include posttraumatic stress disorder, left carpal tunnel syndrome, and right carpal tunnel syndrome. The combined disability rating is 70 percent, which meets percentage requirements for a total disability rating on a schedular basis. However, the VA examiner did not provide an opinion regarding the Veteran's employability due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current left wrist disability and thus, service connection for this condition is denied.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension, low energy and fatigue, peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, erectile dysfunction, and psychiatric disability. These conditions are found to be secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran seeks service connection for right and left wrists disabilities. The case is REMANDED to the RO for further development, including obtaining private medical records and a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records and scheduling VA examinations. The claims will be readjudicated after all development has been completed.

The Veteran's right wrist disability, characterized by ankylosis and degenerative arthritis, is currently rated at 50 percent. The claim for a higher rating remains denied.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a right leg disability and bilateral hand and wrist disabilities has been denied. The Board found no current disability for the right leg, and the March 2009 VA examination did not provide sufficient detail to support a finding of a current disability for the bilateral hand and wrist condition.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to fully and fairly consider the Veteran's claims for service connection. This includes obtaining medical records, scheduling VA examinations, and determining whether any current disabilities are related to military service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection of residuals of a left wrist fracture due to new and material evidence submitted since the last final denial. The Board is granting this claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral elbow and wrist disabilities are at least as likely as not related to his active service, including injuries sustained while working as an aircraft mechanic. Service connection is therefore granted for these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea and fatigue. The issues of service connection for diabetes mellitus, hiccups and muscular twitching of the eyes, and multiple joint pain affecting the hands, wrists, fingers, knees, and ankles (including bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome) are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound is remanded due to insufficient VA examination reports considering all of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (migraine headaches, right wrist fracture with residual weakness in the right hand, and status post left elbow fracture) prevent him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment.