Wrist & hand decisions — 2007

The veteran's service-connected carpel tunnel syndrome with right wrist flexion contracture and loss of function of thumb and index finger of the major arm is currently rated at 50 percent, which does not meet his claim for a higher rating.,The veteran's combined disability rating is 50%, which does not meet the schedular criteria for TDIU based on service-connected disabilities alone.

The Board has granted service connection for a disability of the left forearm, manifested by a scar and weakness. Service connection was denied for cervical spine, left shoulder, and headaches.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss and disabilities of the wrists, knees, and ankles. The claim for hearing loss was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence. For the wrist, knee, and ankle conditions, there is no competent medical evidence showing that these conditions are related to service or any incident therein.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher ratings for her service-connected chronic headaches and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, finding that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of the maximum schedular rating available.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, arthritis of the left and right knees, and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome as there is no evidence that these conditions were incurred or aggravated during his military service.

The Board denied service connection for the veteran's claimed left and right wrist conditions, finding no evidence of a relationship between his current disabilities and his military service.

The March 1986 rating decision denying service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome of the left wrist was not timely appealed, and therefore remains final. The veteran's request to reopen the claim in May 2001 resulted in a grant of service connection with an effective date of May 2, 2001.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his left wrist disability is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and records.

The Board has granted a 70 percent rating for the veteran's service-connected right wrist fusion, effective from February 24, 1999.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to the need for additional evidence regarding whether the veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome is related to his service-connected cervical spine disability or if it was caused by in-service occupational duties.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and right wrist disability. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by service.

The Board denied service connection for stomach, double vision of the right eye, low back pain, bilateral elbow and wrist conditions, and a right hand condition. The veteran's claims are remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records.

The Board has granted a 30 percent disability rating for right carpal tunnel syndrome, effective from the date of the October 2003 decision granting service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for a middle and low back disorder, right wrist disorder, bilateral shin splints, and right knee disorder. The appeals were based on her contention that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection have been denied due to lack of new and material evidence. The veteran was not granted any benefits as a result.

The veteran's appeals for increased ratings for right and left wrist conditions have been dismissed due to the withdrawal of these issues by his representative prior to a decision being made.

The veteran was found to be unemployable due to her service-connected disabilities as of November 13, 2000, and the effective date for TDIU is set at August 13, 2001.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hip disability, but denied the remaining claims as there is no current chronic acquired psychiatric disability or a chronic gynecological disability related to an endometrial polyp.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service records and the need for further examinations to determine the etiology of the veteran's current bilateral knee, shoulder, wrist, elbow, hearing loss, tinnitus, and skin disorders.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render her in need of aid and attendance or housebound, thus the claim for special monthly compensation by reason of being in need of aid and attendance or on account of being housebound is denied.