Wrist & hand decisions — 2000

The veteran's service-connected cervical spine disorder, chronic low back muscular strain with arthritis, and postoperative residuals of a ganglion cyst with synovitis of the left wrist are all rated at their maximum allowable evaluations. The veteran's headaches as residual of concussion remain rated at 10 percent.

The Board has restored the 10 percent ratings for the veteran's service-connected carpal tunnel syndrome of both wrists based on the current severity of symptoms without requiring medical or surgical treatment.

The veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need to resolve issues related to service connection and employment. The veteran also has secondary claims for stomach, psychiatric, sleep, left wrist, and crushed feet disorders that are inextricably intertwined with his TDIU claim.

The veteran's increased evaluation and total rating claims for service-connected disabilities were denied. The left wrist disability is rated at 10 percent, while the knee disabilities do not preclude employment.

The veteran's claims for higher evaluations of his service-connected post-operative fusion C5-6 with arthritis and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, as well as degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine from May 19, 1990 to October 7, 1993, were denied. The Board found that a rating higher than 40 percent was not warranted for his post-operative fusion C5-6 with arthritis and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, and a rating higher than 20 percent was not warranted for his degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine from May 19, 1990 to October 7, 1993.

The veteran's claim was denied as he failed to report for scheduled VA medical examinations, which is a requirement under VA regulations.

The Board has denied the appellant's claims for service connection for joint pain of the knees, hands, and wrists, inflammatory bowel disease with esophagitis and hiatal hernia, and low back pain. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to military service or an undiagnosed illness.

The Board has denied increased disability evaluations for residuals of a gunshot wound to the right wrist and epididymitis, right. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) remains pending due to incomplete development.

The Board found that the veteran's claims for service connection for right knee and right wrist disabilities were not well-grounded, as there was no medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service. The claim for left shoulder disability was also not well-grounded due to a lack of nexus between the current condition and service.

The veteran's claim for a higher SMC rate and an earlier effective date for his combined rating of 100 percent were denied. The reimbursement claim for the spas was not addressed in this decision.

The Board found that the veteran's carpal tunnel release residuals do not meet criteria for a higher rating, as they are currently manifested by mild symptoms of incomplete paralysis of the median nerve in both wrists.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his service-connected left wrist disability was denied by the RO. The current rating is 10 percent.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found no new and material evidence to reopen the claim for psychiatric disability, denied service connection for residuals of a right ankle injury, denied increased ratings for traumatic arthritis of the cervical spine and bronchitis, and denied an increased rating for residuals of a fracture of the right wrist.

The Board denied increased ratings for the service-connected residuals of a sprain to the right ring finger, right carpal tunnel syndrome, postoperative, and traumatic arthritis of the right wrist.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of service connection for right carpal tunnel syndrome and a low back disorder due to lack of competent medical evidence linking these conditions to her period of active service.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating of his service-connected right wrist fracture is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and consideration under a different diagnostic code.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for increased ratings and service connection issues due to lack of timely filed substantive appeals. The claim for service connection for headaches is not well grounded.

The Board found no competent medical evidence linking the veteran's current conditions to the June 1993 VA surgery or anesthesia. The veteran's claims for service connection were denied as his conditions did not manifest during service and there was insufficient evidence of a nexus between his current disabilities and the in-service events.

The Board has granted the veteran's request for waiver of recovery of an overpayment of Vocational Rehabilitation Subsistence Allowance in the amount of $312.32, finding that recovery would be against the principles of equity and good conscience.

The Board finds that the veteran's left wrist disability was incurred during active service and grants service connection for this condition.