Wrist & hand decisions — 2004

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis of both elbows, wrists, and right wrist. The decision also addressed his claim for an initial compensable disability rating for actinic keratosis between October 1, 1993 and July 12, 1995, and a subsequent increased disability rating from July 13, 1995.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis of the left wrist and a higher rating for PTSD.

The Board denied service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as the veteran's current condition was not present in service and is not shown to be related to service or a service-connected disability.

The Board dismissed the veteran's appeal due to his death, and therefore no decision was made on the merits of the claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current chronic left arm and wrist disorder, nor any evidence of such in service. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's residuals of a fracture of the right hand, including deformity of the 4th metacarpal and decreased range of motion of the right wrist, were incurred in active service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for additional development and compliance with VCAA requirements. The case will be returned to the Board after this process.

The Board found that the veteran's right wrist disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and denied his claim for increased rating of his right thumb disorder.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining recent medical records and scheduling VA examinations. The veteran's claims for service connection and initial rating will be reconsidered after these steps.

The Board has determined that there is no current evidence of a low back disability or numbness and tingling of both knees. The veteran's claims for these conditions are denied.

The VA denied service connection for a disability of the right median nerve manifested by numbness of the right hand, claimed as carpal tunnel syndrome, due to lack of evidence showing a current disability related to service.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected left wrist injury and PTSD are being remanded to the RO for further development of the record, including obtaining additional medical records and ensuring compliance with all due process requirements.

The Board found that the veteran's right carpal tunnel syndrome is proximately due to or the result of his service-connected second and third degree burns both hands and right arm, and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and denied his claim.

The veteran withdrew his appeal for all issues except the Gulf War exposure claim. The other claims are dismissed.

The veteran's claims for service connection on multiple conditions are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and consideration of new evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for TMJ, with bruxism. However, there is no evidence of current bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and the claim for this condition was denied.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of a neck strain, post-traumatic bilateral TMJ arthralgia, and right wrist injury incurred in service.

The veteran's left wrist disability, which includes a fracture and degenerative changes, is currently rated at 20% disabling. The service-connected postoperative residuals of the left inguinal hernia are also rated at 10%. Both conditions have been granted.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for a right wrist disability. Considering the merits of the reopened claim, the Board found that the pre-existing right wrist condition was aggravated by service.