Wrist & hand decisions — 2004

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for bronchial asthma and left elbow disability are being remanded due to procedural deficiencies, incomplete records, and the need for further examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and PTSD. The decision found that there was no evidence of a verifiable stressor in his service records, and thus denied service connection for PTSD. For carpal tunnel syndrome, the evidence did not support a finding that it arose during or as a result of military service.

The VA has denied the veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected residuals of excision of a ganglion cyst and soft tissue mass, finding that the current disability picture does not warrant such a rating.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable rating schedule.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development and consideration of his claim for an increased rating for a right wrist disability.

The veteran's service connection claim for stress incontinence of the bladder is granted. The other claims are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected residuals of burns of the right hand and wrist was granted, with a 50% evaluation assigned. The issue regarding compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. � 1151 for an incisional hernia resulting from VA hospitalization in July and August 1997 is referred but not addressed.

The Board has determined that further development is required before the claims for increased ratings can be adjudicated.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including consideration of revised criteria for spine disorders and issuance of a VCAA letter.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining records of treatment and verifying stressors related to PTSD. The veteran's service-connected disabilities are also being evaluated.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for right wrist disorder, epidermophytosis (claimed as punctuate plantar and palmar keratoderma), chronic headaches, back disorder, and stomach disorder. The decision also addressed whether new and material evidence had been submitted to reopen these claims.

The VA determined that the veteran's service-connected laceration scars of the right wrist do not warrant a compensable evaluation, as they are superficial and non-painful with no limitation of motion or other functional impairment.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for left elbow arthritis, low back disability, right wrist disability, and bilateral hip disability. The claim for PTSD is being referred to the RO for further consideration.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to issues arising from the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA).

The veteran's claims for service connection have been denied, but new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen some of the previously denied claims.

The veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 due to a carpal tunnel release surgery is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining an expert medical opinion and scheduling the veteran for another VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to a lack of available service medical records and for clarification on the diagnoses and etiology of the veteran's right knee, right wrist, and right elbow disabilities.

The veteran's service connection claims for degenerative disc disease, residuals of a chest contusion, and post-traumatic arthritis were denied. The claim for an evaluation in excess of 30 percent for left distal radius and ulna fracture was granted. The claim for a compensable evaluation for right thumb arthritis was denied. The claim for initial evaluations in excess of 10 percent for degenerative joint disease of the left knee and post-traumatic arthritis of the right knee were both denied.

The Board found that the veteran's disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension benefits based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or at the housebound rate.

The veteran's postoperative carpal tunnel syndromes were denied increased ratings, and his claim for service connection of a right shoulder disability was also denied.