Wrist & hand decisions — 2005

The Board has granted service connection for right carpal tunnel syndrome and left carpal tunnel syndrome, finding that these conditions began during military service.

The veteran's service connection claim for residuals of a bone spur resection of the right olecranon and his increased rating claim for residuals of a right wrist capitate fracture were both denied. The hypertension issue is pending as it requires reopening.

The veteran's left wrist disability is rated at 30 percent, and his shell fragment wound scars of the right wrist and forearm are noncompensable. The shrapnel wound scar of the right index finger is also noncompensable.

The VA has determined that the veteran's claimed right arm/wrist disorder is not related to his military service and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has granted initial noncompensable ratings for the veteran's service-connected residuals of injury to the distal phalanx of the right index finger and ganglion cystectomy of the right wrist, both effective from the date of the original claim.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a hearing loss disability for VA compensation purposes and denied his claim for service connection. The issue of entitlement to an increased rating for traumatic arthritis, status post right wrist fracture, is remanded due to incomplete development.

The VA denied an increased rating for carpal tunnel syndrome of the left wrist, finding that there is no more than mild disability.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were generally granted, with some issues having specific rating assignments.

The Board has determined that the veteran's conditions, including as due to an undiagnosed illness, are service-connected for wrists, ankles, elbows, hips, and neck disabilities. The right knee disability is also service-connected. However, the veteran does not have chronic fatigue syndrome or asthmatic bronchitis.

The veteran's nonservice-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for a permanent and total disability rating for VA pension purposes, as his combined rating is only 30 percent.

The Board has requested clarification on the nature of the veteran's inservice right wrist injury and its current residuals. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have degenerative arthritis of the fingers, shoulders, wrists, legs, ankles, feet, low back, or neck that is attributable to his military service.

The Board denied an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for laceration, right wrist/hand with residual scar and hypoesthesia involving forefinger and middle finger.

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 was denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome, finding that it did not manifest during or as a result of her active duty service.

The VA determined that the current rating for residuals of a right wrist fracture with fusion is appropriate at 40 percent, and no higher. The veteran's service-connected condition does not meet criteria for an increased rating.

The Board finds that the veteran's need for regular aid and attendance is established, meeting the criteria set forth in 38 C.F.R. § 3.352(a).

The Board denied an increased rating for the veteran's left wrist ganglion cyst, currently evaluated as 10 percent disabling.

The Board has denied an increased evaluation for herpetic whitlow of the wrist, currently rated at 10 percent disabling. The evidence does not support a higher rating as the condition is manageable with medication and does not significantly impact work or require hospitalization.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral numbness of the upper extremities, memory loss, and respiratory condition. The lower extremity numbness issue is unclear due to lack of evidence. Service connection was not granted for any of the conditions.