Wrist & hand decisions — 2007

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher initial ratings and service connection for various joint pains, finding that his right knee disability was manifested by symptoms of pain, swelling, tenderness, crepitus, motion limited from 10 to 140 degrees when considering functional impairment, and arthritis confirmed by x-ray examination. There is no instability of the right knee joint.

The VA determined that the veteran's left wrist disability, which includes a ganglion cyst and carpal tunnel syndrome, does not warrant an evaluation in excess of 10 percent.

The Board found that the veteran's right wrist condition existed prior to service and was not aggravated by service, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral knee disability, arthritis of hands, wrists, ankles, and feet, and high cholesterol were not incurred in or aggravated by active service.,Service connection for residuals of shrapnel wounds to the right shoulder disability is granted based on a combat injury during service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral patellofemoral syndrome and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between these conditions and her military service.

The veteran's claim for a total rating based on individual unemployability was denied as her service-connected disabilities do not meet the threshold requirements for such a rating. The noncompensable rating assigned for scleroderma is upheld.

The Board's April 2005 decision denying service connection for a right arm/wrist disorder is dismissed due to the Court's vacating and remanding of that decision.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination and further review of the claims file, including the September 2001 private medical record. The veteran's claim for service connection is also pending regarding a clear and unmistakable error in a February 1980 rating decision.

The veteran's initial evaluations for his service-connected cervical spine, right shoulder, bilateral wrist and knee disabilities have been granted. However, the claims of entitlement to service connection for erectile dysfunction remain pending.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and an increased evaluation of 50% for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease. The right knee disability appeal was withdrawn by the veteran.

The Board has determined that service connection is not warranted for allergic rhinitis. Consequently, no disability rating or effective date will be assigned, so the failure to provide timely notice with respect to those elements of the claim was no more than harmless error.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates are being remanded due to the need for further development.,The veteran's claim for an increased rating for a gunshot wound of the left thigh is being remanded due to the need for further development.,The veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for above-the-knee amputation of the right leg, with phantom leg pain, is being remanded due to the need for further development.,The veteran's claim regarding CUE in a June 1969 rating decision that did not grant service connection for arthritis of the left wrist is being referred to the RO for adjudication.,The veteran's claim regarding CUE in a June 1969 rating decision that did not grant service connection for loss of sensation of the left hand is being referred to the RO for adjudication.,The veteran's claims for an effective date earlier than August 21, 2001 for the grants of service connection for arthritis of the left wrist and loss of sensation of the left hand are being remanded due to the need for further development.,The veteran's claim for a TDIU is being referred to the RO for adjudication.

The Board has denied service connection for a chronic right elbow disability and a chronic right wrist disability, but granted service connection for residuals of a left wrist fracture with post-operative fusion. The veteran's claim for a chronic right elbow disability is not supported by the evidence.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound was denied. The RO has not rated all of his disabilities, including those related to his service-connected C5 radiculopathy with bilateral arm weakness, hepatitis C, carpal tunnel syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease, gunshot wound residuals, and partial amputation.

The Board granted service connection for various conditions and increased the rating to 10 percent for thrombophlebitis of the left forearm, but denied claims for higher ratings for other conditions.

The veteran's service connection for residuals of a left wrist injury and right knee disability, including total knee replacement, has been granted. The initial rating for the right knee disability is now 30 percent effective June 1, 2005.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a higher disability rating for his right wrist ganglion cyst and service connection for jungle rot. The veteran's current skin condition was not diagnosed, and there is no evidence linking his current symptoms to service.

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

The veteran's bilateral hearing loss is not related to his active duty service. The RO has scheduled VA examinations for the veteran's GERD and right wrist injury.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for a left wrist disorder and finds that it is warranted based on evidence showing an in-service injury related to the current condition.