Wrist & hand decisions — 2007

The Board denied a compensable evaluation for the veteran's left wrist tendonitis, finding that there was no evidence of functional impairment or limitation of motion warranting a higher rating.

The veteran's service connection claims for upper respiratory infections, bronchitis, sinusitis, left wrist strain, osteophytes of the right hip, gastritis, degenerative changes and degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine, spondylitic disc disease of the cervical spine, tendonitis of the left elbow, and tendonitis of the right elbow have been granted. The veteran's claim for a higher initial evaluation for his service-connected conditions has also been granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to a need for medical examinations and records from Social Security Administration.

The Board has granted the veteran's motion to advance his appeal and remanded issues of service connection for a low back disorder, left hand disorder, right wrist disorder, bilateral elbow condition, and bilateral thumb disorder. The claims for reopening were also granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran did not timely appeal several issues, including those related to service connection for various orthopedic and neurological conditions. The effective dates of service connection for optic atrophy and hearing loss due to neuro-syphilis remain May 12, 1993.

The Board has determined that the reduction in evaluation from 30 percent to zero percent disabling for kidney stones was improper. The veteran's GERD, headaches, Raynaud's syndrome, right carpal tunnel syndrome, and dermatophytosis of the hands and subungual tinea of the right ring finger were not granted higher initial evaluations.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a determination on severing service connection for joint pain due to an undiagnosed illness. The veteran's claim for an increased rating remains pending.

The Board found that the veteran's lumbar strain and left wrist fracture existed prior to service and did not worsen during service, thus denying claims for service connection.

The veteran's claims for service connection for ovarian cysts and breast cancer, as well as increased evaluations for acne vulgaris and tinea pedis with onychomycosis, tinea capitis, and tinea cruris have been granted. The veteran is also entitled to TDIU.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for psoriasis with seborrheic dermatitis and various forms of psoriatic arthritis were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable rating schedule.

The Board found no evidence of chronic disabilities manifested by joint pain, fatigue, or memory loss that are related to service. The veteran's complaints were attributed to PTSD and alcoholism.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to comply with VA's duty to notify and assist, including providing notice of what evidence would be needed to establish service connection on a secondary basis. The case will also be reviewed for initial compensable ratings for his bilateral wrist disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for Bell's Palsy, CVA, hypertension, left ear hearing loss, arthritis of the right hand, arthritis of the right wrist, and arthritis of the back, all presumed to be due to Agent Orange exposure.

The veteran's currently claimed right hand/wrist disorder, diagnosed as bilateral carpal tunnel and cubital syndrome, did not originate during his period of service and is not otherwise etiologically related to that period of service.

The Board has determined that the evidence supports a finding of service connection for a right wrist subchondral cyst, which is related to service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee, hip, and wrist disorders due to a lack of diagnosed disabilities. The veteran presented with complaints of pain in her knees, hips, and wrists during active service but no current diagnoses were found.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not currently suffer from any of the claimed conditions and therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and allowing the veteran an opportunity to provide information about any post-service treatment related to his claimed injury.

The Board found that the veteran's left wrist condition pre-existed service and was not aggravated by military service, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The Board has denied both the veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and carpal tunnel syndrome and familial tremors of the right hand, finding that there is no competent evidence to support these claims.