Wrist & hand decisions — 2005

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and an increased evaluation for migraine headaches with diplopia and esotropia and history of lateral rectus palsy, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between current CTS and service, and that his migraines did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board found that the appellant's right hand condition and bilateral shin splints were not incurred or aggravated during her periods of active duty training. The Board also noted that there was no evidence linking the right hand condition to a service-connected disability.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. Service connection was not granted for carpal tunnel syndrome of the left upper extremity, as there is no evidence linking it to his military service. For his varicocele and related conditions, a noncompensable rating was assigned prior to July 2004 due to atrophy or removal of one testicle, and a 30 percent rating was granted from September 1, 2004 following bilateral removal of the testicles.

The Board denied an increased rating for the veteran's right wrist disorder, finding that the evidence did not support a higher evaluation based on limitation of motion or arthritis.

The Board found that the veteran's degenerative joint disease of the right wrist was not incurred in or aggravated by service, nor could it be presumed to have been caused by a service-connected disability. The VA examiner determined that the arthritis was not a progression of his post-operative ganglion removal.

The veteran's right wrist disability was rated at various levels, but the appeal is denied as his conditions do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that there is no current diagnosis of arthritis or tendonitis for the right wrist and left elbow, respectively. Therefore, service connection cannot be granted.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The RO assigned a 20 percent rating for residuals of a left olecranon nerve transplant and a 10 percent rating for carpal tunnel syndrome of the left hand, both effective from January 26, 2001.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left wrist disorder was not incurred or aggravated by service, and thus denied the claim.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including multiple orthopedic conditions affecting the same body system, render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The VA denied increased ratings for right and left carpal tunnel syndrome, with the veteran's conditions being evaluated as direct service connection.

The VA denied service connection for a right wrist disability and hearing loss of the left ear, as well as initial ratings for low back and left knee disabilities. The veteran's current conditions have not been demonstrated to be related to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome as secondary to Hodgkin's disease and dental caries as secondary to radiation therapy for Hodgkin's disease.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for multiple joint pain is being remanded due to the need for further examination and consideration of whether he should be service-connected for low back or left ankle disorders, apart from the multiple joint pains.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his right wrist disability, finding that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a hearing loss disability for VA purposes and her tinnitus is not service-connected. The other conditions listed in the issues section are either not supported by evidence or were resolved prior to separation from service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's scarring of the right wrist is a result of an in-service automobile accident and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a chronic wrist disability related to his active service, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The VA denied a rating in excess of 30 percent for the veteran's left wrist and hand disability, which is currently rated as 30 percent due to partial paralysis of the radial nerve.

The Board found that the veteran's right wrist disability, which resulted from a fracture one year prior to service connection being granted, does not warrant a compensable evaluation as there is no evidence of limitation of motion or functional impairment.