Wrist & hand decisions — 2007

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected disabilities were denied. The left ulnar neuropathy and carpal tunnel syndrome, as well as the arthritis of the left elbow, do not warrant a higher rating under applicable VA regulations. The right shoulder condition is also rated at its maximum allowable level.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, glaucoma, and headaches. The decision also referred a claim of increased rating for right knee disability to the RO.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected residuals of a right wrist fracture, as the evidence did not show that the condition warranted such a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected left wrist disability, characterized as residuals of a fracture with traumatic arthritis, does not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including sinusitis, urinary tract infections, and bilateral foot disabilities. The veteran was granted a 10% rating for atopic dermatitis effective October 24, 2005.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have current residuals of amebic dysentery, gunshot wound to the right hand and wrist, or shell fragment wound to the left leg. The claim for COPD is denied as there is no evidence linking it to exposure to phosene gas in service. The skin disorder claims are also denied due to lack of evidence connecting them to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's residuals of a right wrist fracture warrant an evaluation of 20 percent, but not higher.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome with left ulnar nerve neuropathy, finding that it was not related to any injury or disease incurred in service. The issue of reopening a 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 claim for compensation resulting from VA medical treatment is remanded.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for right carpal tunnel syndrome, multiple joint pain (including as due to an undiagnosed illness), hysterectomy, and diabetes mellitus. The appeals were based on direct service connection.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome as it is not a compensable disability. The claim for an increased evaluation of her degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine was granted, with a 60% evaluation effective October 2002.

The Board has determined that the evidence is in relative equipoise, and therefore, service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome is granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for chronic leukopenia, dislocation of the right shoulder and partial clavicle removal, residuals of a right wrist fracture, and genital herpes due to lack of available service records and insufficient evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board found that the veteran's cervical spine disability, CTS, arthritis of the hands, and low back disability are not service-connected as secondary to his service-connected bilateral lower leg disability. The case is being remanded for further examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome was not incurred during active duty service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a current disability related to the mandibular joint or carpal tunnel syndrome, and thus service connection for these conditions cannot be granted.

The veteran's left shoulder tendonitis is rated at 20 percent disabling since January 28, 2004. The other conditions are either not compensable or have been granted increased ratings.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings, finding no evidence of current disabilities or that any present conditions are related to service.

The veteran's claims for higher ratings for his right wrist fracture and bilateral hearing loss were granted, with the right wrist rating set at 10 percent effective from the date of filing. The hearing loss claim was not granted as it did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of fractured ankles, herniated cervical disc, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, and arthritis of multiple joints including hands, knees, and elbows. The underlying disorders were not shown to have worsened during active or inactive duty.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, a skin disorder, and ganglion cysts of both wrists as the preponderance of evidence did not support these claims.