Wrist & hand decisions — 2002

The veteran's service-connected CTS, right wrist is currently rated at 30 percent effective April 15, 2000. The RO increased the rating from noncompensable to 30 percent based on a VA examination conducted in April 2000.

The Board found that the veteran's right carpal tunnel syndrome developed coincidentally with his treatment during a VA hospitalization in August 1997, and thus did not meet the criteria for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Board denied service connection for right carpal tunnel syndrome, finding that the condition is not related to the veteran's service-connected right middle finger condition.

The veteran's arthritis of the right wrist, post traumatic, combined with postoperative changes with fusions is currently rated at 40 percent and does not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to unfavorable ankylosis.

The veteran does not have any current diagnosed disabilities of the wrists, knees, or lumbar spine. The Board finds that service connection for these conditions cannot be granted as there is no evidence of a current disability.

The veteran withdrew his appeals for the issues of service connection for emphysema, left shoulder disability, low back disability, and bilateral wrist condition (claimed as wrist pain).

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the appellant does not meet the criteria for special monthly allowance based on the need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status, thus denying her claim.

The veteran's service-connected chronic left (major) lateral epicondylitis and status post fracture of the right wrist are currently evaluated at noncompensable ratings. The Board found that there is no evidence of significant limitation of motion or loss of function due to pain, which prevents a higher evaluation under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected synovitis of the right wrist does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent, as there is no ankylosis and no evidence of instability or fatigability. The highest available rating under applicable diagnostic criteria is 10 percent.

The VA denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his right wrist injury with sensory nerve damage and carpal tunnel syndrome, as well as a claim for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for hiatal hernia. The RO found that the veteran's conditions did not warrant higher ratings based on their current manifestations.

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

The Board has determined that the veteran's disability compensation was properly reduced to a 10 percent rate effective August 30, 1997 due to his incarceration. The appeal is denied.

The Board found that the veteran's current symptoms, including pain and limited motion of her right wrist, do not warrant a higher disability rating than the currently assigned 10 percent for residuals of a fracture of the right wrist.

The Board determined that the February 1977 rating decision, which assigned a 10 percent disability evaluation for de Quervain's disease of the right wrist complicated by infection with secondary hypertrophic scarring over the abductor longus and radial sensory neuroma, was not clearly and unmistakably erroneous.

The Board granted a 10 percent rating for the veteran's second degree burn scars of the left wrist with intermittent itching, as this condition does not meet criteria for higher ratings due to lack of constant ulceration or marked disfigurement.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, finding that there was no medical evidence linking his current wrist disorder to an incident of active service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected residuals of a shell fragment wound to the left wrist, including retained foreign body and ulnar neuropathy, warrant a 30 percent evaluation.

The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for the veteran's postoperative residuals of left wrist fracture, finding that his symptoms and functional limitations warrant this increased evaluation.

The Board has determined that the veteran's dorsal right wrist scar, secondary to ganglion cyst excision, warrants a 20 percent rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.