Wrist & hand Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right wrist disability, diagnosed as DeQuervain's tenosynovitis, is service-connected.

The Veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome of the right hand is rated at 30 percent, effective July 10, 2006. Service connection for PTSD has been granted.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right wrist disability, finding that there is evidence of an in-service injury and current diagnosis linking the condition to service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for carpal tunnel syndrome of the right wrist is being remanded due to inadequate examination and inextricably intertwined issue of service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Veteran's service connection claim for tendinopathy of the right wrist is granted as his condition was incurred in active service.

The Veteran's left wrist condition is rated at 30 percent, effective October 1, 2006. His combined rating for all service-connected disabilities remains at 70 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected right shoulder disability is considered to be the primary cause of his cervical spine disability. The Board finds that the Veteran's current cervical spine disability is related to his service-connected right shoulder disability.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hand, wrist, and right shoulder disabilities were denied as the evidence did not show a chronic disability related to his active duty.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to an inadequate VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining relevant medical records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left wrist disability is related to his military service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the current severity and manifestations of his service-connected left wrist crepitus.

The Veteran's right wrist strain secondary to a right wrist fracture is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that this rating adequately reflects his disability picture. The evidence does not support an increase in the rating.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disorder and right wrist disorder (originally claimed as carpal tunnel syndrome of the right wrist) due to lack of competent evidence showing current disabilities or a nexus to military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for clarification of her military service dates, additional medical records, and further examination.

The Board has granted an increased rating for the Veteran's right shoulder disability and remanded the issue of a separate rating for neurological manifestations, including carpal tunnel syndrome. The VA examiner concluded that it is at least as likely as not that the carpal tunnel syndrome is caused or aggravated by the service-connected right shoulder disability.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right wrist disability, a right ankle disability, and chronic disabilities manifested by chest pain and shortness of breath.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine if his pre-existing right wrist condition was aggravated during service.

The Veteran's service-connected left wrist and left foot injury residuals are currently rated at the lowest possible evaluations (10 percent each). The Board finds that these ratings adequately reflect the severity of her disabilities.