Wrist & hand decisions — 2005

The VA determined that the veteran's right wrist disability does not warrant a rating higher than 10 percent, based on his current range of motion and strength.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for left wrist strain and dislocation of the fourth metacarpal were denied as there was no evidence to warrant a higher rating based on functional limitations with pain.

The Board denied the veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for right wrist neuropathy, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for initial compensable disability ratings for bilateral retropatellar pain syndrome of the knees and a bilateral wrist disability.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for service connection of his bilateral wrist disorder, finding that there was no medical evidence linking it to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative joint disease of the wrists and thumbs, but denied service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and denied service connection for a back disorder.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected right knee disability warrants a 20% rating, effective from the date of the decision. The mid-back and wrist disabilities have not been established as service connected.

The veteran's death was not caused by service-connected disability, and his claim for TDIU is denied. The cause of death due to claimed in-service radiation exposure or herbicide cannot be established.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an effective date prior to September 14, 1999 for the grant of service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome.

The veteran's lung disorder was not service-connected, but his right middle and ring finger disability and chronic synovitis of the right wrist were both granted increased ratings.

The Board denied the veteran's petitions to reopen his service connection claims for wrist condition and PTSD, as well as his claim for skin rash due to herbicide exposure. The claim for diabetes mellitus with peripheral neuropathy was also denied. Additionally, the rating for low back disability was not increased.

The Board found that the veteran does not have a single service-connected disability rated as 100 percent disabling, and thus is not entitled to special monthly compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1114(s).

The Board denied the appellant's claims of service connection for various conditions, including a psychiatric disorder and polycystic ovary syndrome. The decision also confirmed a 10% evaluation for endometriosis.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including PTSD, liver disability, tendonitis of the wrists and elbows, skin disability (including chloracne), incontinence, arthritis of multiple joints, neurological disability, and herniated disc. The evidence did not support a link between these conditions and military service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations and the acquisition of medical records.

The veteran's claims for service connection for left carpal tunnel syndrome, degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine, thoracic spine, and lumbar spine have been denied. The right knee disability has resulted in multiple rating changes over time.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for tendonitis and synovitis of the right wrist and left wrist were denied. The VA found that his disabilities did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a right wrist disorder and a pulmonary disorder, as well as his claim for an initial compensable evaluation for postoperative residuals of a right inguinal hernia. The veteran's current medical records do not show any current right wrist or pulmonary disorders related to military service.

The Board denied all issues related to service connection and increased evaluation for tendonitis of the right elbow, finding no evidence of a link between any claimed conditions and service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's neck, cervical spine, and low back disability including arthritis, as well as his right hand and wrist injury residuals, and arm and leg weakness, are not related to service. The claims for these conditions have been denied.