Wrist & hand decisions — 2006

The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for left carpal tunnel syndrome from March 19, 1990, to February 18, 2003, and granted a 20 percent rating thereafter.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of an acquired psychiatric disorder or bone spurs other than to the right ankle. The claims for left carpal tunnel syndrome, lumbosacral spine disorder with degenerative changes, hiatal hernia, and gastrointestinal disorder were denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to service or a service-connected disability.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of right and left wrist injuries. The claims are now reopened.

The Board found that the veteran's claimed left knee, shoulder, wrist, and low back disabilities were not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The diagnoses are considered to be related to post-service activities.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including proper VCAA notice and scheduling of a video conference hearing.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a bilateral wrist disorder, right ankle disorder, or low back disorder that is related to his service. The diabetes mellitus claim was denied as it is unclear if it is secondary to hypertension.

The veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disability, residuals of a right wrist ganglion, and gastrointestinal disability were denied. The claim for an increased rating from 20 percent for left shoulder impingement syndrome was granted with a current effective date.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a dislocated right thumb, neck injury, low back injury, and bilateral wrist injury due to lack of evidence of chronic post-service residuals.

The Board has decided that the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a left wrist condition requires further development and is therefore being remanded.

The veteran's service-connected residuals of fracture of the left wrist are rated at 20 percent, and his impairment of the ulnar nerve is also rated at 40 percent. Both conditions have been granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's degenerative joint disease of the left wrist warrants a disability rating of 20 percent, based on favorable ankylosis in 20 to 30 degrees dorsiflexion.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine if his current left wrist condition is related to the wrist ganglion surgery he had in service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed conditions were not incurred or aggravated by service, and therefore denied his claims for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for his right wrist disability, finding that his symptoms did not meet or more closely approximate the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5308.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected left wrist fracture residuals do not meet or more nearly approximate the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board found no current disability of carpal tunnel syndrome and denied the veteran's claim for service connection.

The Board found that the veteran's claims were not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence, resulting in a denial of accrued benefits.

The Board found no evidence of ankylosis and denied the veteran's claim for a higher disability rating as his wrist joint limitation is already at its maximum under Diagnostic Code 5215.

The Board denied increased disability ratings for the veteran's service-connected right ring finger sprain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and traumatic arthritis of the wrist.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected right wrist ganglion does not warrant a compensable evaluation, as it does not meet the criteria for ankylosis, palmar flexion limited in line with the forearm, or dorsiflexion of less than 15 degrees.