Wrist & hand decisions — 2001

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have residuals of a right wrist injury, a scar on his forehead, or broken teeth due to service. The VA examinations did not find any current disabilities related to these conditions. For the remaining claims for undiagnosed illnesses, there is insufficient evidence to establish a connection between the claimed disorders and service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for chest pain and arthralgia of the right wrist as chronic disabilities resulting from undiagnosed illnesses. The appeal is remanded to obtain additional medical records, determine the dates of Southwest Asia service, and conduct further examinations.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his right wrist fracture was denied. The RO assigned a noncompensable disability rating in June 1998 and increased it to 10 percent effective May 13, 1999.

The veteran's service-connected left wrist disability required immobilization by cast, without surgery, of one major joint (left wrist) for a month following his fall in July 1998. The temporary total evaluation is granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left wrist disability, including synovitis and early degenerative joint disease, is likely linked to his in-service left hand injury. As a result, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected residuals of a right wrist fracture do not warrant an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for the period prior to February 24, 1999.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, effective from July 1, 1997. The claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU benefits was granted and effective as of May 21, 1997.

The Board found that the veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome of the right wrist did not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating prior to May 6, 1999. After May 6, 1999, his current condition also did not warrant a compensable rating.

The VA has denied increased ratings for the appellant's service-connected left wrist and right knee disabilities, currently rated at 10 percent each.

The VA has granted the requested disability evaluations for the veteran's conditions, with some changes in ratings and effective dates.

The veteran's service-connected residuals, status postoperative scaphocapitate fusion of the left wrist are currently rated at 10 percent and meet the criteria for a 20 percent evaluation.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations for osteoarthritis of the left wrist and bilateral knees, as well as his claim for mitral valve prolapse with severe mitral regurgitation, were denied. The veteran is currently rated at 10 percent for each affected joint under Diagnostic Code 5003.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various joint disorders, including a low back disorder, left knee disorder, bilateral wrist and ankle disorders, as well as chronic pain in multiple joints. The RO also denied her increased rating claim for her right knee disability.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher disability evaluations for various musculoskeletal and hearing disabilities, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected synovitis of the left knee was granted, but he remains entitled to service connection for other disabilities including right and left knee issues, shoulder problems, low back pain, hip issues, and kidney concerns.

The veteran's claims for service connection for injuries to the left wrist, elbow, and shoulder are denied. The claim for an initial compensable evaluation for a fracture of the left ring finger is also denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection, finding that his conditions did not warrant higher ratings or service connection based on a broken neck. The effective date of service connection was set at November 13, 1995.

The Board granted the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his service-connected post-operative stenosing tenosynovitis of the left wrist and osteochondroma of the left distal radius, currently rated at 10 percent. The lumbosacral spine injury with degenerative disc disease and osteoarthritis is also granted a 20 percent evaluation.

The veteran's service-connected right ankle disorder with bursitis and Achilles tendonitis, left wrist tenosynovitis, status post ganglion cyst excision, and left knee patellofemoral syndrome have been rated at 10 percent each since April 1997.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's right arm fracture and assigned a 10 percent evaluation effective from September 30, 1996. The issue of increased rating for ulnar neuropathy/carpal tunnel syndrome is pending.