Wrist & hand decisions — 2007

The Board denied service connection for multiple joint arthritides, finding that the veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service. The initial evaluation of the right wrist fracture was also denied.

The veteran's claim for nonservice-connected pension benefits is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining clinical records and scheduling an examination to determine if the veteran's current tuberculosis or its residuals are related to service.

The veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome is being remanded due to the need for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board denied service connection for Lyme disease, joint pains of the hands, wrists, elbows, right shoulder, and weakness of the legs. The veteran's claims were not supported by competent medical evidence showing a current disability or a link to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected disabilities have been denied as there is no evidence of nonunion, ankylosis, or significant loss of motion in any of the conditions at issue.

The veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for her left wrist fracture and did not reopen her previously denied service connection claims for left knee and cervical spine disabilities.

The veteran's service-connected left wrist disability, characterized by painful and limited motion with some weakness of the wrist, does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome is related to service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that there is no current evidence of a bilateral wrist disability, low back disorder, or neck pain. The veteran's claims for these conditions are denied as not well-grounded at the time of initial denial.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension by reason of regular aid and attendance or being housebound was denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit.

The Board has determined that there is no current disability associated with the veteran's claimed left elbow, shoulder, and wrist injuries. As such, service connection for these conditions cannot be established.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a respiratory disability, low back disability or arthritis of the hands, wrists and knees due to service. The claims are denied.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 50 percent effective September 14, 2005. The right wrist disability is rated at 30 percent effective September 14, 2005.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to determine the nature and severity of his service-connected disabilities and whether they are related to his nonservice-connected conditions.

The Board has dismissed the veteran's appeals for service connection on all issues except peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, which is granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's residuals of a left wrist fracture warrant only a 10 percent rating, which is the maximum provided by the Rating Schedule for this disability. The appeal is denied.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for the veteran's DJD of the left wrist with CTS, finding that his symptoms were best described as mild incomplete paralysis of the median nerve without limitation of motion or X-ray findings of degenerative arthritis.