Wrist & hand Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased initial disability ratings for residuals, shell fragment wound, left wrist/hand and corneal scar of the left eye have been denied as his conditions do not warrant a higher evaluation under applicable rating criteria.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a grant of service connection or higher initial ratings.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn as to his right knee disorder, left knee disorder, hearing loss, multiple arthralgias (joint pain), and carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Board denied service connection for lumbosacral spine spondylosis, degenerative joint disease of the bilateral wrists, bilateral knee replacement, and degenerative joint disease of the left ankle as these conditions are not related to active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current cervical spine disability, specifically cervical myosfascial syndrome, is related to his service-connected migraine headaches. As a result, the claim for secondary service connection for the cervical spine disability is granted.

The Veteran's service connection claims for carpal and cubital tunnel syndrome of the left and right upper extremities are granted as his symptoms began during service and have persisted since.

The Veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome has been rated based on the severity of his symptoms, which have remained moderate since February 5, 2010. Prior to that date, he was granted a 30% rating for his right upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims of service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and impotence, including psychogenic impotence. Service connection is granted on a presumptive basis due to exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and a low back disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and review of his medical records.

The Board has determined that there is no credible evidence of a right upper extremity disability for several years after service, and the most persuasive opinion evidence to address the question of whether there exists a nexus between the appellant's in-service wrist pain and his current carpal tunnel syndrome of the right upper extremity is adverse to the claim. Similarly, there is no credible evidence of a left upper extremity disability for several years after service, and the most persuasive opinion evidence to address the question of whether there exists a nexus between the appellant's in-service wrist pain and his current motor neuropathy of the left upper extremity is adverse to the claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral wrist and ankle disorders are related to his military service, including exposure to cold weather during his time in Korea.

The Board is unable to determine the status of your claims for tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, and right wrist disorder as they are currently in a 'mixed' disposition due to new evidence submitted. The appeals have been remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his service-connected right wrist ligament injury with degenerative changes is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination and obtaining treatment records.

The Veteran's gout of multiple joints, left ankle, left wrist, right wrist, left elbow, right elbow, left hand, right hand, left foot, and right foot have been granted increased disability ratings since June 4, 2010. The bursitis of the right knee has also been granted an increased disability rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a left hand/wrist injury is being remanded due to the need for an appropriate examination and further development.

The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of left carpal tunnel syndrome and the VA examiner could not determine if his symptoms were caused by service or a service-connected disability. The Board finds that the Veteran's claim for service connection for left carpal tunnel syndrome is denied.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeals for carpal tunnel syndrome of both upper extremities and renal disorder. The remaining claims have already been fully granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to address the combined effects of all his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Veteran's claim for a 10 percent disability rating based on multiple noncompensable service-connected disabilities has been granted, effective from April 11, 2008.