Wrist & hand decisions — 2003

The Board denied the veteran's appeals for increased ratings for his service-connected right shoulder and bilateral wrist disabilities, finding that the schedular criteria were not met.

The Board found that the veteran's preexisting left knee and bilateral pes planus disabilities did not worsen during service, and denied claims for service connection.

The Board found that the veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome was not incurred in service and is not related to any service-connected disability, including residuals of shell fragment wounds or thoracic outlet syndrome. Therefore, service connection for this condition was denied.

The Board finds that the veteran does not have current evidence of left arm carpal tunnel syndrome and there is no competent medical evidence linking this condition to service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for left arm carpal tunnel syndrome is denied.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for increased disability ratings for his service-connected postoperative scars and DeQuervain's tendon synovitis of both wrists, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating under either the old or new VA rating criteria.

The veteran's right carpal tunnel syndrome was granted a 30 percent evaluation effective July 18, 2005. The left carpal tunnel syndrome remains at a 20 percent evaluation.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for the residuals of a left wrist injury, finding that there is no evidence to support a current disability related to his in-service fall.

The Board found no current medical evidence of a left knee disorder or bilateral wrist disorder. The veteran's claims for service connection were denied.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The veteran's service-connected postoperative residuals of trauma to the right ring finger are currently rated at 10 percent, and he is seeking a higher rating. The VA has determined that his condition does not warrant an increase beyond this level.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected carpal tunnel syndrome of both upper extremities and left ankle disability, finding that the evidence did not show symptoms consistent with more than moderate incomplete paralysis.

The veteran's left hand disability, including a fracture of the first metacarpal with traumatic arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome, has resulted in extremely limited function such that he would be equally well-served by an amputation below the elbow with use of a suitable prosthetic appliance. The RO granted a 60 percent evaluation for this condition.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied in June 1984, but new and material evidence was submitted to reopen the claims. The claim for a left wrist chip fracture is granted with a 10% rating.

The veteran's claim for service connection for right hand carpal tunnel syndrome was dismissed because he failed to report for a scheduled VA examination without providing good cause.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have a current bilateral hand and wrist disorder, a current disorder manifested by left rib pain, or residual scarring secondary to an infected epidermal occlusion cyst of the left axilla and surgery on the left upper back for excision of an epidermal occlusion cyst. Therefore, service connection is denied for these conditions.

The veteran's service-connected hypothyroidism has been granted an increased rating of 60 percent, effective from the date of the July 2001 RO decision.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current carpal tunnel syndrome of the right hand and arm is related to her military service, specifically her duties as an airplane mechanic.

The Board has granted service connection for osteoarthritis of multiple joints, including the cervical spine, lumbar spine, shoulders, wrists, hands, and knees. The decision is based on a finding that these conditions are likely related to injuries sustained during military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased disability evaluations for his service-connected bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and knee disabilities, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for specially adapted housing and a special home adaptation grant due to lack of statutory eligibility, as he is not statutorily eligible for these benefits.