Wrist & hand decisions — 2000

The Board has decided that the veteran is not entitled to nonservice-connected pension due to lack of sufficient disability. However, more recent medical evidence suggests the need for further examination and evaluation.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected left wrist disability, finding that the neurological residuals did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating prior to July 29, 1996 and found no evidence of more than moderate limitation of motion or scars resulting in functional impairment.

The Board has granted an increased evaluation of 20 percent for the veteran's service-connected left wrist (minor) disability, which is characterized as residuals of a fracture with pain and decreased grip and paresthesia.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome is not well grounded. The veteran also does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation for his fracture, navicular right foot and excision bone spur, right great toe.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including scheduling a Travel Board hearing.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for service-connected residuals of a fracture of the left radius and ulna is being remanded due to potential consideration of posttraumatic arthritis as part of his service-connected disability.

The veteran's degenerative joint disease, lumbar spine, is rated at 70 percent effective January 1995. His residuals of left mandible fracture are rated at 10 percent and his residuals of right wrist fracture are also rated at 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right wrist disability does not meet the criteria for an extension of a temporary total disability rating beyond January 1, 1997. The issue of entitlement to an increased disability evaluation remains pending.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and an increased evaluation, finding that there was no clear and unmistakable error in their decisions.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for her left cubital tunnel syndrome and left carpal tunnel syndrome were granted, with each receiving a 20 percent rating.

The VA determined that the veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome of the right hand warrants a 50 percent evaluation, which is the maximum rating available under the applicable diagnostic code.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current left wrist disability is not related to his service-connected ganglion cyst removal and therefore, an evaluation in excess of 10 percent is denied.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected ankle disabilities did not cause or aggravate his right knee, left knee, back, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, left shoulder, and psychiatric disorders.

The veteran's hypothyroidism is rated at 30 percent, and her tinea corporis (hands and wrists) is rated at a noncompensable evaluation. The issues of service connection for hearing loss and endometriosis are addressed in the REMAND section.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of fractures to his right wrist and left hip, finding that there is no competent medical evidence linking these injuries to a service-connected disability.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for right carpal tunnel syndrome and an increased rating for residuals of a crush injury to the right index finger, finding that there is no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran did not timely perfect an appeal to the November 1993 rating decision regarding the issues of service connection for urinary tract infection and left hip pain. The claims are therefore denied as final.

The veteran's claim for an increased disability evaluation for his postoperative residuals of fusion of the left wrist is being remanded due to incomplete medical records and lack of recent VA examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right carpal tunnel syndrome warrants a 30 percent evaluation, effective from February 5, 1996. This decision is based on his current level of impairment and the need for surgical intervention.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome was incurred in service, resolving any doubt in favor of the claimant.