Wrist & hand decisions — 2001

The veteran's service-connected conditions did not cause or contribute to his death from cardiomyopathy.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right wrist disability does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation than the currently assigned 10 percent rating, as there is no evidence of ankylosis. The current limitation of motion is considered to be severe enough to warrant the current 10 percent rating.

The Board denied service connection for a ganglion cyst of the left wrist, right ear hearing loss, and a left knee disability due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.

The veteran's left carpal tunnel syndrome, bilateral subcutaneous mastectomies (partly due to service-connected fibrocystic breast disease), tinnitus, migraine headaches, hypertension, and irritable bowel syndrome are all granted. The residuals of her left foot bunionectomy and ostectomy with bilateral hallux valgus are also granted.

The veteran's left wrist disability was increased to a 10 percent evaluation effective from April 5, 2001. The right eye disability remains at a non-compensable rating.

The Board finds that the veteran does not have current carpal tunnel syndrome or brachial plexus disorder, and thus service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected left wrist and fifth finger disabilities warrant separate ratings, with a 10 percent rating for each. The left wrist disability is rated under Diagnostic Code 5215 (limitation of motion), while the left little finger disability is rated under Diagnostic Code 5227 (ankylosis).

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have current disabilities related to his claimed right wrist, fractured lower right leg, or cold injuries to both hands. As a result, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The veteran's skin condition (tinea corporis) is currently rated at 10 percent, and his hypertension remains at a 10 percent rating. The appeal for an increased rating for hypertension has been denied.

The veteran's claim for a fractured right arm and wrist was reopened due to new evidence. However, the service connection for PTSD remains unresolved as there is no verified in-service stressor.

The Board has determined that the veteran's post-operative residuals of a left wrist fusion do not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent.

The Board found no evidence that the VA surgery in December 1997 caused left arm nerve damage or carpal tunnel syndrome, and thus denied the veteran's claim for disability benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Board found that a neurological disease of the left upper extremity, including left carpal tunnel syndrome and left nerve root sensory irritation, was not incurred in or aggravated by service. The claim for secondary service connection for this condition was denied.

The Board found no current diagnosed disabilities of the left wrist, low back, or bilateral knees and denied service connection for these conditions.

The VA hospitalization for left carpal tunnel syndrome in December 1994 did not result in additional disability, and the veteran's symptoms were relieved by the surgery. The Board found no evidence of new or worsened disability.

The veteran's allergic rhinitis is currently evaluated as noncompensable, and his right thumb and wrist fractures are each rated at 10 percent.,Both the right thumb fracture and right wrist fracture do not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under their respective diagnostic codes.

The Board has granted a 30% disability evaluation for postoperative residuals, fusion of the right wrist with traumatic arthritis. The temporary total rating beyond December 31, 1997 is denied.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for numbness of the fingers of the left hand diagnosed as cubital tunnel syndrome of the left wrist is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right wrist injury is related to an injury sustained in service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The VA denied an increased evaluation for the veteran's service-connected left wrist fracture residuals, currently rated at 10 percent.