Wrist & hand decisions — 2007

The Board has granted the veteran's claim for service connection for a right wrist disability. The claims for service connection for right and left knee disabilities are being remanded due to insufficient information regarding pre-service conditions, aggravation in service, or whether they were related to active duty.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a VA examination. The issue remains whether she should receive an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for her service-connected left wrist disorder.

The Board denied the veteran's service connection claims for arthritis of both hands and wrists, secondary to service-connected left knee disabilities.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left fourth finger disorder and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome are not service-connected. The Board found no medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The VA denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and SMC for aid and attendance. The RO found that the veteran had mild incomplete paralysis of the median nerve in each hand, warranting a 10% rating.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for compensable evaluations for his right wrist and right knee disabilities, finding that there is no evidence of arthritis or instability warranting a higher rating.

The Board found no current diagnosis of a low back disorder and denied the veteran's claim for service connection.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased evaluation in excess of 10 percent for residuals of a right wrist fracture, as his current disability picture does not warrant a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and gastrointestinal disorders, finding that these conditions are etiologically related to service.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for residuals of a fracture, right hand middle finger is denied as the evidence does not support a higher evaluation.,Service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome is also denied because there is no evidence that it was incurred or aggravated by active duty service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for his service-connected carpal tunnel syndrome of the right wrist, finding that the current 10 percent rating adequately reflects the severity of the disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a left wrist disorder including carpal tunnel syndrome or arthritis, and finds that it is not related to service-connected status post fracture of the left ring finger.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosed disability of any claimed conditions, and thus service connection cannot be granted for these issues.

The Board denied service connection for a left wrist condition, sinus condition, and heart condition (hypertension). The veteran's hypertension was found to be directly related to his service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for right carpal tunnel syndrome and a retroactive effective date earlier than November 21, 2003, for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection of his pulmonary disorder, left arm disability, and initial compensable rating for a left hand disability. The veteran is not entitled to service connection for these conditions as they are not related to his active service.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and migraines, significantly impair her ability to work. The Board finds that she is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to these conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome was incurred in service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including residuals of a contusion of the left forehead, migraine headaches, sinusitis, and injuries to the right wrist, left foot, back, neck, and nerve damage. The Board found no current disabilities related to these issues and noted that many of the claimed conditions were first diagnosed years after service.