Wrist & hand decisions — 2006

The Board denied increased ratings for the veteran's cervical spine injury, left knee synovitis with chondromalacia, and right wrist injury.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations were denied. The Board found no evidence of in-service injury or disease that would support these claims.

The veteran's claim for TDIU was denied in July 1992 due to lack of evidence showing an increase in disability during the one year period preceding March 22, 2003. The RO found that no new and material evidence had been submitted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased initial ratings for his right wrist disability and scar, finding that the evidence did not warrant a higher rating under applicable VA regulations.

The veteran's right wrist disability, currently rated at 10 percent under DC 5215 for limitation of motion, does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation as his dorsiflexion is greater than 15 degrees and palmar flexion is not limited in line with his forearm.

The veteran's skin rash and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome were not found to be related to his military service. The claims for asthma, hypertension, arthritis, and tinea pedis were all denied as new evidence did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claims.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a Travel Board hearing at the RO and sending notice of the hearing to his current address.

The Board found new and material evidence to reopen the claim of service connection for a left ankle disorder. However, there is no established chronic left wrist disorder in service or currently diagnosed.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed conditions are related to his service, and granted service connection for most of the disabilities listed. The effective date is not specified.

The veteran's arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease is rated at 60 percent, and his right wrist disability is rated at 10 percent. The higher ratings are granted.

The veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and an increased rating for his right wrist disability are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions.

The Board has denied all claims for service connection and a higher initial rating for hypertension, as well as the denial of increased ratings for other conditions. The appellant did not meet the criteria for any of these claims.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral inguinal hernias, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), and a lumbar condition due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for left ear hearing loss and residuals of a left wrist injury, finding that there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a medical examination to evaluate the nature and etiology of the claimed right and left knee disabilities and right wrist disability.

The Board found that the veteran's right wrist and hand disability did not result from disease or injury incurred in or aggravated during active military service, as his pre-existing condition did not undergo any worsening beyond natural progression.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and employment information. The case will be reviewed again after the development is completed.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to address the extent of his knee and wrist disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical examinations and review of records.

The Board denied increased evaluations for the veteran's right knee and left wrist disabilities, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under VA rating criteria.