Wrist & hand decisions — 2006

The Board has granted a 10 percent evaluation for the veteran's service-connected residuals of a left wrist fracture, effective from the date of claim.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities combined to meet the 40 percent threshold and his combined rating increased to 70 percent effective August 15, 2000. The claim for a TDIU arose on that date.

The Board found that the veteran's frozen shoulder and carpal tunnel syndrome did not manifest during service or within close proximity to it. The medical evidence does not support a link between these conditions and his military service, with the exception of his service-connected diabetes mellitus. Therefore, the claims for service connection were denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for migraine headaches, blurred vision, major depressive disorder, hypertension, onychomycosis of the toenails, memory loss, and hair loss. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by active service.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for higher initial ratings for carpal tunnel syndrome of both wrists and service connection for bilateral heel pain, degenerative joint disease of the left index finger, and bilateral hearing loss.

The Board found that the appellant's decreased vision does not meet the VA standards for aid and attendance, as his visual acuity is not 5/200 or less in both eyes. The appellant was also not legally blind based on corrected vision measurements provided by medical records.

The veteran's service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome was granted, and her right knee disorder, maxillary sinusitis, lumbar scoliosis with thoracic DJD, and scar of the left maxilla were all assigned noncompensable disability evaluations.

The Board denied the veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for arthritis of the right wrist, finding that new and material evidence was not submitted.

The veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative disc disease and residuals of a right hand and wrist injury were denied as there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical records and a VA medical opinion regarding whether the veteran's service-connected disabilities contributed to his death.

The Board has determined that an effective date prior to October 7, 2003 for the grant of service connection for status post right wrist fracture, right forearm and wrist tendonitis, and distal radial ulnar degenerative joint disease is denied.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a right wrist injury, finding that there was no evidence linking his current condition to his military service.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death and for DIC benefits under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318, finding that there was no objective evidence of radiation exposure during service and that the veteran did not meet the eligibility criteria for DIC benefits.

The VA has denied the veteran's claims for initial compensable evaluations for her service-connected migraine headaches, cysts of both wrists, and status post Austin bunionectomy residuals under 38 C.F.R. § 3.321(b)(1). The appeals are based on direct service connection.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has restored service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome and is now addressing the issue of entitlement to an initial compensable rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a laceration of the right middle finger due to lack of current disability and insufficient medical nexus opinions.

The veteran's appeals for service connection for bilateral wrist disability, PTSD, and an increased rating for impetigo of the face with pseudosycosis barbae were dismissed as no substantive appeal was filed within the required time frame.

The veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new examination for his hemorrhoid condition. The RO must also ensure full VCAA notice has been provided.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to issues related to service connection and new evidence.