Wrist & hand decisions — 2004

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for heart disease, hypertension, a low back disorder, a left wrist disorder, and a bilateral hip disorder. The Board found no evidence of chronic conditions in service or current disabilities related to military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis-B, hepatitis-C, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, and otitis externa of the left ear. The appeals were based on direct evidence from service records.

The Board found no current diagnosed disorders of the right arm, wrist, or hand and concluded that there is insufficient evidence to establish service connection for these disabilities.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the etiology of the veteran's claimed disabilities and to consider both old and new criteria for evaluating respiratory disorders. The case is being remanded to the RO for these purposes.

The veteran's claim for compensation benefits for additional disability of the right upper extremity resulting from VA surgery and treatment in 1974 was denied as there is no evidence that his current conditions are related to the 1974 surgery.

The veteran's claims for carpal tunnel syndrome of the left and right upper extremities were denied as they are not service-connected.

The veteran seeks service connection for left hand neuropathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, and polycystic ovary disease. She also requests an increased evaluation for her ganglionectomy residuals. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and to schedule examinations.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 20 percent for his left wrist condition, finding that his symptoms were manifested by limited range of motion and pain on testing, but no significant arthritic changes.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, headaches, and a bilateral wrist condition due to lack of competent medical evidence supporting these conditions.

The veteran's claim for a TDIU is being remanded due to the inextricability of his carpal tunnel syndrome claim, which he also seeks service connection for as secondary to his right ulnar nerve disorder. The RO must adjudicate both claims together.

The veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis of multiple joints are denied.

The Board found that new and material evidence had not been presented to reopen the claims for service connection for a back disorder, right foot arch, arthritis of the wrists, and prostate disorder. The veteran's current disabilities are not considered radiogenic diseases or shown to have been present during service or for many years thereafter.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, finding that there was no evidence linking her current condition to her military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a higher rating for her left wrist disability, finding that it did not meet the criteria for a rating higher than 10 percent.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied, and the RO found no evidence linking his conditions to service or herbicide exposure.

The veteran's bronchial asthma is rated at a 30 percent evaluation, effective from the date of this decision.

The veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for his left Colle's fracture with limitation of motion of the wrist was remanded due to the need for additional medical records and examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to disputes in the medical record regarding a diagnosis of bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and the need for further examination and opinion.

The Board has granted service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome of the left hand as secondary to the veteran's right median nerve injury. The rating for residuals of a median nerve injury, right hand, remains at 40 percent.