Wrist & hand decisions — 2000

The Board denied increased evaluations for the veteran's service-connected right wrist fusion, right knee chondromalacia, and left elbow epicondylitis. The issue of a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss is not currently before the Board.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for chronic right hand and wrist injuries as there was no evidence of a current disability or chronic residuals from an inservice injury.

The veteran's claim for a compensable disability evaluation for his postoperative residuals of a ganglion on the right wrist with a history of carpal tunnel syndrome is being remanded due to the need for additional medical evidence and an examination.

The veteran's multiple complaints of disability were not supported by medical evidence, and his disabilities did not prevent him from obtaining substantial gainful employment.

The Board found that the veteran's right hand and wrist disorder, to include carpal tunnel syndrome, is not service-connected due to lack of medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service or a pre-existing condition.

The VA denied an evaluation in excess of 30 percent for the veteran's gunshot wound residuals, including traumatic arthritis and nerve involvement. The issue of service connection for Dupuytren's contracture was not addressed.

The veteran's appeals for increased evaluations and service connection were denied. The issues of arthritis of the knees, bilateral ankle condition (claimed as arthritis), bilateral hip condition, and hearing loss, right ear are dismissed due to withdrawal by the appellant.

The VA determined that the veteran's left wrist disorder, postoperative status, warrants a 10 percent rating based on limitation of motion.

The Board denied service connection for emphysema, alcoholism, and an increased evaluation for a right wrist and hand fracture. The decision is not considered to contain clear and unmistakable error.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for left carpal tunnel syndrome and an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected left knee chondromalacia patella. The veteran was granted a noncompensable evaluation for his left knee disability, effective February 1, 1991.

The Board denied service connection for polyarticular degenerative disease of the right hand and an increased evaluation for residuals of a fracture of the navicular of the right wrist, finding that the claims were not well grounded.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The RO found that new evidence did not support reopening the claim for hypertension, and that there was no basis to grant increased ratings for his low back disability or gout.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluation of left middle finger disability, service connection for degenerative joint disease of the left wrist, and compensation under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. 1151 for additional disabilities resulting from surgeries in November 1979. The decision also noted that the veteran's symptoms were already contemplated in his current 10% evaluation.

The veteran's claim for service connection for burns of the feet is not well grounded.,Service connection has been granted for hearing loss in the left ear, determined to be of service origin.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for additional examination and evidence regarding the veteran's right wrist condition, specifically focusing on its effects of pain and other symptoms.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Board hearing at the RO.

The Board has granted an initial evaluation of 10 percent for the residuals of a right wrist fracture, effective from November 7, 1991.

The veteran's claim for an effective date prior to March 27, 1991 for the grant of a total evaluation based on individual unemployability is denied. The Board found that the veteran did not become permanently and totally disabled due to service-connected disability in the year prior to March 27, 1991.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims of service connection for a right knee disorder and left arm and hand disorders, but finds that new evidence does not establish a direct causal relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his service-connected left knee injury, bilateral hearing loss, and right dorsal wrist ganglion cyst. The conditions do not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation under applicable rating criteria.