Wrist & hand decisions — 2000

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected right wrist disability, characterized by ankylosis in dorsiflexion of 15 degrees and radial deviation, does not warrant a rating higher than 40 percent.

The veteran's claim for tinnitus is well-grounded, and service connection has been granted.,The veteran's claims for carpal tunnel syndrome of the right wrist are well-grounded. Service connection was denied due to lack of clinical evidence.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn before the Board could make a decision.

The veteran's nicotine dependence and acquired psychiatric disorder (depression and anxiety) are found to be related to his service-connected coronary arteriosclerosis. His bronchitis is not currently shown, but he has been granted service connection for arthritis of the right index finger. The other claims have either been denied or require further development.

The Board found that the veteran's claim for service connection of bilateral varicose veins as secondary to his right knee disability was not well grounded. The claims for increased evaluations were denied as there was no evidence showing that the disabilities had worsened beyond what was contemplated by the current ratings.

The Board has granted a combined rating of 20 percent for the veteran's service-connected left wrist arthritis and left hand weakness and sensory disturbance, effective from the date of the decision.

The Board finds that the veteran sustained fractures of his right elbow and wrist during service, which resulted in current disabilities. Bilateral hearing loss is not considered a disability for VA purposes.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of a low back injury with degenerative disc disease and assigned a 10 percent evaluation. The claim for hypertension was not supported by the evidence, resulting in no rating being assigned.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been granted. The gastrointestinal disorder is considered due to an undiagnosed illness, while the right wrist fracture and left knee disability are related to exposure to asbestos, hydraulic fuel, jet fuel, and synthetic oils. No new rating has been assigned as the appeal was reopened based on new evidence.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for carpal tunnel syndrome of the right upper extremity is denied. The Board finds that her current disability level does not warrant a higher evaluation than the currently assigned 10 percent rating. For special monthly compensation by reason of need for regular aid and attendance, the evidence shows that the veteran requires assistance with daily activities due to her physical limitations and medical conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have chronic carpal tunnel syndrome and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's post-operative residuals of a nerve disorder in the right wrist and forearm are service-connected, resolving reasonable doubt in her favor. The rating for her disability of the right foot and right great toe remains at 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims of service connection for sarcoidosis, carpal tunnel syndrome (right and left upper extremities), temporomandibular joint dysfunction, and bleeding gums are not well grounded. The evidence does not support a finding of current disabilities or a link to military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for a right wrist disability and tinnitus are not well grounded, as there is no competent evidence to support these claims.

The veteran's claim for an extension of her delimiting date for Chapter 32 educational assistance was denied as there is no additional medical evidence showing that the disability prevented her from pursuing education during the relevant time period.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and thus does not meet the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board found that there is no competent medical evidence linking the veteran's current left wrist disorder to his military service, and thus denied the claim.

The veteran's appeal was found to be timely, and the case is remanded for further development of her claim.

The VA has determined that the veteran's right wrist fracture residuals do not warrant a rating higher than 10 percent since August 5, 1997.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for a certificate of eligibility for financial assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing or a home adaptation grant due to his service-connected disabilities not meeting the regulatory requirements.