Wrist & hand decisions — 2005

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected disabilities do not warrant an increased rating based on the current evidence of record.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left knee Osgood-Schlatter disease was incurred during active service and granted service connection for this condition. The issue of an initial compensable rating for residuals of a ganglion cyst, right wrist, is remanded due to inadequate examination records.

The veteran's appeal is remanded to the RO for further development, including scheduling a Travel Board hearing and issuing Statements of the Case regarding additional scars and pain, weakness, and fatigue of the left wrist.

The VA denied service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, finding no evidence of a direct link to service or a service-connected disability.

The veteran's service connection claims for various conditions are granted, with the exception of a gynecological disorder.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for residuals of an injury to the left hand, initial compensable ratings for bilateral pes planus and a ganglion cyst of the right wrist, and a rating in excess of 10 percent for a left hip disorder.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals of his left thumb injury and service connection for left wrist medial nerve compression with left hand numbness, finding that new and material evidence was not submitted to reopen these claims.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of his medical records and to determine the appropriate ratings for his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a cold injury, arthritis, and disability manifested by right wrist pain, including carpal tunnel syndrome are denied as there is no competent medical evidence demonstrating such conditions were incurred or aggravated during active duty.

The Board has granted a 30 percent evaluation for the veteran's residuals of a fracture of the right wrist, finding that his symptoms are analogous to ankylosis in a favorable position. The arthritis of the right wrist is rated at 10 percent and not higher.

The Board has determined that a 50 percent rating is warranted for the veteran's service-connected residuals of a right hand injury with degenerative disease of the right wrist and ischemic necrosis, as it meets the criteria for such a rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or on a finding that he is permanently housebound, as there was no evidence showing he needed constant help with daily needs such as bathing, dressing, or eating.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the claim of service connection for residuals of a back injury. The claims for bilateral knee disability, right foot disability, and right wrist nerve palsy are being remanded due to insufficient medical evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to errors in service connection and need for additional medical evidence.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for various conditions, including his lumbar spine and shoulder disabilities, have not been met under the applicable rating criteria.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, residuals of thyroid cancer, or peripheral neuropathy. The claims were previously denied in June 1994 due to lack of new and material evidence.

The veteran's appeal is remanded due to deficiencies in VCAA notice and the need for a VA examination.

The Board found that the veteran's current back conditions were not caused by military service and denied his claims for service connection.

The veteran's service-connected right wrist disabilities are currently rated at the maximum schedular rating.

The Board has received a withdrawal of the appeal from the appellant prior to any decision being made.