Wrist & hand decisions — 2004

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The appeals for increased ratings were also denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for low back pain, left ankle sprain, and hearing loss. The veteran did not have a current disability for these conditions as determined by VA examination and medical records.

The veteran's right elbow and wrist conditions are rated at the minimum level, while his hip/leg condition is not entitled to a higher rating.

The Board has granted an increased rating of 40 percent for synovitis of the right wrist, residuals of fracture carposcaphoid with ankylosis, and denied entitlement to special monthly compensation (SMC) based on loss of use of the right hand.

The Board denied extensions of temporary total ratings and increased ratings for various service-connected conditions, finding that the veteran did not meet the criteria for extended convalescence or higher disability ratings.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations to assess the severity of his generalized anxiety disorder and right wrist disability.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for SMC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1114(s) for the period from March 17, 1997 to April 30, 1998 due to lack of additional service-connected disabilities independently ratable at 60 percent and because he was not substantially confined as a result of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the veteran's seizure disorder and wrist disability are related to his military service, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Board found that the veteran's right wrist disability warranted a 30 percent evaluation prior to December 1, 1999, and denied an evaluation in excess of 50 percent from December 1, 1999, forward.

The veteran is seeking service connection for arthritis of his wrists and fingers, as well as ankles, secondary to his already service-connected degenerative arthritis of the back and knees. The VA has not obtained all relevant medical records from San Antonio VAMC and Frank Tejada clinic.

The veteran's claim for service connection for right wrist and chest disabilities resulting from gunshot wounds is being remanded to obtain additional service personnel records, including any line of duty determinations. The RO will then re-adjudicate the claims in light of all available evidence.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims due to incomplete records and the need for additional examinations.

The veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining more recent records of his treatment and employment status.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim of service connection for left wrist, hand, and foot disabilities. The RO previously denied this claim in September 1984 due to a finding that the injuries were incurred as a result of the veteran's own misconduct.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his service-connected right carpal tunnel syndrome with history of ulnar neuritis is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for laceration, right wrist/hand with residual scar and hypoesthesia involving forefinger and middle finger due to a lack of competent evidence of active gouty arthritis.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing proper VCAA notice.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current right shoulder, bilateral hand and wrist, and back disabilities are reasonably due to service or reflect aggravation of pre-existing conditions.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected disabilities did not cause or contribute to his death. The medical evidence does not show that his end-stage COPD/emphysema had its origins in service, and there is no indication of a connection between his lung cancer and his service.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of an orthopedic and neurological examination regarding the veteran's right and left carpal tunnel syndrome. The RO is instructed to schedule such examinations.