Wrist & hand decisions — 2008

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a back disability and granted an effective date prior to June 5, 2002, for his right carpal tunnel syndrome. The claims regarding evaluation in excess of 10 percent for residuals of a fracture, right distal radius and ulnar styloid process, and TDIU are referred to the RO.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for his left and right shoulder disabilities have been denied as there is no evidence of limitation of motion to at least shoulder level, which would warrant a higher rating.

The veteran's right wrist injury and post-operative scar are currently rated at 10 percent each, with no higher ratings available under applicable diagnostic codes.

The veteran's service-connected left knee and wrist disabilities have been rated based on their current functional limitations. The increased ratings requested for instability of the left knee, degenerative joint disease of the left knee, and a left wrist disability with arthritis are granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an effective date prior to September 1, 2004, for a 40 percent rating for his right wrist disability. The evidence did not show entitlement to a higher rating prior to that date.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome of the left wrist (as secondary to her right wrist condition) and a right foot disability, finding no new and material evidence to reopen the former claim.

The veteran's claims for higher ratings for diabetes mellitus, service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome and PTSD are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and development of evidence.

The Board is remanding the case for additional development, including obtaining a VA examination for the hands and providing proper VCAA notice regarding the claims.

The veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and an opinion regarding the impact of his service-connected conditions on his ability to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between his current condition and his military service.

The veteran's scars on the right middle finger are rated as 0 percent disabling, and his right wrist disability is not service-connected. The claim for an increased evaluation of the scars was denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have PTSD, an acquired psychiatric disorder (other than PTSD), a back condition, a right wrist disorder, a right ankle disorder, a right knee disorder, or a right shoulder disorder as a result of his service. The claims for these conditions are therefore denied.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to independently perform daily functions of self-care and protect himself from the hazards and dangers incident to his daily environment, warranting special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance starting September 28, 2005.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities rated higher than 20 percent and do not materially or substantially contribute to an overall impairment in gaining or retaining employment commensurate with her abilities, aptitudes, and interests. Therefore, she does not meet the criteria for eligibility for vocational rehabilitation benefits under Chapter 31.

The Board denied the veteran's request for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical service provided on October 1, 2003 due to lack of authorization and failure to meet the criteria for reimbursement under VA regulations.

The veteran's service-connected eczematous dermatosis of the wrists and hands was granted a rating of 30 percent, effective from February 2, 2001, to March 6, 2001, and from September 11, 2002, to April 4, 2003.

The Board has granted an effective date of April 15, 1999 for the award of service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome of the right wrist.

The veteran's left wrist fracture and right wrist cyst are not rated as compensable, but his left ankle disorder is granted service connection.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for a skin condition to the RO. The veteran's right wrist scar and left knee disability are both currently rated at 10 percent, but his appeal is not granted in full.

The veteran's claim for an initial compensable evaluation for erectile dysfunction and a higher evaluation for residuals of bone chips in the right wrist was denied. The RO found that there is no deformity of the penis, which precludes a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 7522.