Wrist & hand decisions — 2003

The Board has determined that the veteran did not timely file a substantive appeal for the issue of extension of a temporary total rating for convalescence purposes for his right wrist disorder, and thus the appeal is dismissed.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for left wrist carpal tunnel syndrome, right knee disability, and a higher evaluation for his psychiatric disability.

The Board has reopened both claims regarding service connection for residuals of a fracture of the right hand and wrist, as well as traumatic arthritis of the left shoulder. The reopening is based on new evidence submitted since previous decisions.

The Board found the debt for medical services rendered by VA on April 18, 2000 was properly created and denied a waiver of collection due to lack of fraud or bad faith but granted the request based on financial hardship.

The Board has ordered further development in the veteran's case, including obtaining additional medical records and arranging for VA examinations. The appeal is currently pending due to the need for more evidence.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a right forearm/wrist disability and eye damage, finding no current chronic disabilities related to his active duty service.

The Board has ordered further development due to pending issues regarding the veteran's eligibility for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability. The case is being sent back to the RO for additional examinations and consideration of evidence.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance or at the housebound rate, finding that he does not meet the criteria for either benefit.

The Board has determined that the veteran's renal insufficiency and polycystic kidney disability is proximately due to or the result of his service-connected degenerative joint disease of the left knee, which he treated with NSAIDS.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have current diagnoses for any of the claimed conditions and therefore, service connection cannot be granted. The claims were denied.

The Board dismissed the veteran's appeals for initial increased ratings and compensable evaluations for his service-connected disabilities due to his withdrawal of appeal.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed kidney, bilateral knee, bilateral foot, right hand, and right wrist disabilities are not related to his active service or exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating and service connection, finding that his left wrist disability approximated ankylosis at a nonfavorable angle.

The Board has granted an increased rating to 10 percent for the veteran's service-connected residuals of a right wrist fracture, which is currently rated as noncompensable.

The Board has ordered further development due to the need for additional evidence. The case will be returned to the RO for development and then reviewed by the Board.

The veteran's left knee disability is rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum evaluation available under Diagnostic Code 5257.,The veteran's left wrist disability is rated at 10 percent, reflecting arthritis with no ankylosis. The RO has not considered whether a higher rating could be assigned based on limitation of motion or other factors.,The veteran's right wrist ganglion cyst is currently evaluated as zero percent disabling.

The veteran's service-connected disability of a laceration of the left wrist with median nerve paralysis, rated at 60 percent disabling, reasonably precludes him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied reopening the claim for service connection for residuals of a right ankle injury and denied an increased evaluation for left wrist sprain with CTS.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection due to a lack of supporting medical evidence and incomplete records.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have chronic residuals from a right wrist injury incurred in service, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.