Wrist & hand decisions — 2000

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected residuals of a right wrist injury and tendonitis of the right elbow, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected disabilities have been granted, with the exception of the evaluation for coronary artery disease. The left wrist carpal tunnel syndrome and right wrist carpal tunnel syndrome are each rated at 20 percent and 10 percent, respectively, effective from June 26, 1995. The veteran's lateral epicondylitis of the right elbow is rated at 10 percent, sinusitis at 10 percent, left knee disorder at direct service connection, low back disorder at direct service connection, and gastritis at direct service connection.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected right wrist disorder does not result in loss of use of his hand, and thus denied his claim for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile or other conveyance.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss and a right wrist disability, as well as his claim for a compensable rating for left ear hearing loss. The decision found that there was no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome and a rating in excess of 10 percent for bursitis of the right shoulder are not well grounded. The claim for service connection is denied as there is no evidence to support a nexus between current CTS and symptoms noted during service, which were diagnosed as ulnar neuropathy. The claim for increased rating for bursitis is also denied as the veteran's range of motion does not meet the criteria for higher ratings.

The Board has dismissed the appeals of the denial of service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome, chondromalacia of the left knee, and defective hearing. The claim of service connection for a lumbar spine disorder is denied as not well-grounded.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for residuals of a right wrist injury and residuals of a right hip injury, as well as his requests to reopen claims for duodenal ulcer and adjustment disorder with depression and migraine headaches. The evidence submitted since the August 1987 decision did not provide new and material evidence.

The Board denied increased evaluations for the veteran's service-connected right ear otitis externa and right wrist fracture, as well as his claim for special monthly compensation based on loss of use of the right hand. The veteran requested withdrawal of his appeal regarding the right ear condition.

The Board found that the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of an injury to the left wrist and a cervical strain were not well-grounded, as there was no evidence of such conditions during his period of active duty. The Board also denied reopening of the claim for service connection for a right knee disorder due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for compensation for right wrist and left elbow disabilities pursuant to 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 is not well-grounded because there is no current evidence of a disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left wrist disability, which is service-connected and involves a fracture, does not warrant an evaluation in excess of 20 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions are not well grounded. The evidence does not support a finding of current disabilities or a nexus between any claimed disorders and his period of active duty service.

The Board has denied all service connection claims as not well grounded due to lack of competent medical evidence linking the veteran's current conditions to his military service.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim of service connection for scars over the dorsum of their right wrist, finding that these scars are residuals from in-service surgery.

The Board has granted service connection for left carpal tunnel syndrome and assigned a noncompensable evaluation. The veteran's claims for low back pain and hiatal hernia were denied.

The Board found that the appellant withdrew his appeal of the earlier effective date issue at a prehearing conference in November 1992, and his subsequent letter was not timely as it did not establish a valid Notice of Disagreement.

The Board denied service connection for a right wrist disability, concluding that the condition existed prior to service and was aggravated during service.

The VA has determined that the veteran's service-connected right wrist disability and PTSD do not warrant a higher rating, with the current evaluations of 30 percent for each condition.

The Board found that the veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome of the right hand is well grounded and likely related to a jeep accident in service, but not directly caused by military service. The claim for secondary service connection was also granted.

The veteran's appeal was denied for an increased evaluation of his service-connected right wrist disability.