Wrist & hand decisions — 2007

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetic neuropathy of both lower extremities and carpal tunnel syndrome of both upper extremities, finding that his symptoms did not warrant a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his cervical spine, right wrist, left knee, and right knee disabilities. The claim of service connection for hypertension was also denied as there is no indication that it was incurred in service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for right carpal tunnel syndrome, uterine fibroids, and a gynecological disorder manifested by atypical multinucleated cells. The claim for an increased rating for major depressive disorder was also denied.

The VA denied a compensable evaluation for degenerative arthritis of the bilateral hands and wrists, finding no evidence of limitation of motion or functional impairment.

The Board has reopened the claims for residuals of a right wrist injury and a right ankle disorder, but denied them on the merits.,The claim for cholecystectomy (claimed as residuals of removal of the gall bladder) was not reopened.

The Board found that the veteran's sinusitis was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a left wrist disorder, left knee disorder, and anxiety disorder. The decision is based on the lack of evidence showing an in-service injury or nexus to current conditions.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151, and whether VA Secretary was obligated to make payment to a vehicle seller under 38 U.S.C.A. § 3902(a).

The Board has determined that the veteran's pes planus was aggravated by his active duty service, and therefore granted service connection for this condition.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The RO found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for his service-connected conditions.

The Board has determined that further evidentiary development is necessary with regard to the veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for his service-connected left wrist fracture and donor site on left upper tibia. The case is REMANDED for additional VA examinations, consideration of extraschedular evaluations, and obtaining outstanding medical records.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations have been remanded to the RO for a hearing and further review. The case will be returned to the Board after this is completed.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed conditions were not incurred or aggravated during service and may not be presumed to have been incurred in service.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for carpal tunnel syndrome and thoracic outlet syndrome, as well as a compensable rating for the scar from carpal tunnel surgery, were denied. The Board found no evidence of complete paralysis due to service-connected carpal tunnel syndrome or severe incomplete paralysis of the long thoracic nerve resulting from service-connected thoracic outlet syndrome.,The veteran's claim for TDIU was also denied as his service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 was denied as his acquired psychiatric disorder and laceration of the left wrist are not deemed to be due to VA hospital care, medical or surgical treatment, or examination.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The carpal tunnel syndrome and scar, residual of gunshot wound, right hand and wrist, are currently rated at the maximum allowed under VA regulations.

The veteran's claims for service connection for a ganglion cyst on the right wrist and gastrointestinal disorder were denied. The veteran was granted service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease, but his initial compensable disability ratings for residuals of left ganglion cyst excision, meniscal tear of the left knee, and left otitis media were not granted.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new examination to determine the current severity of her left wrist disability. The benefit sought on appeal may now be granted based on this additional evidence.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including left ventricular hypertrophy, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, tinnitus, degenerative changes consistent with seronegative rheumatoid arthritis or gout of the left wrist, peripheral neuropathy affecting multiple extremities, and bilateral hearing loss, preclude him from engaging in substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a total rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for additional medical examination and opinions regarding whether the veteran's current wrist disabilities are related to his active military service, including a motor vehicle accident in May 1979.