Wrist & hand decisions — 2008

The Board found that the veteran's right carpal tunnel syndrome, which she underwent surgery for in 1996, manifested during her active service from January 2003 to January 2005 and has continued since then. The condition was not aggravated by service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right wrist fracture, lumbosacral spine disability, and cervical spine disability were denied. The RO assigned the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent for each condition.

The Board has ordered a remand for additional development due to the reduction in disability ratings for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection and compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 due to lack of evidence showing that his injuries were caused by VA care, treatment or examination.

The Board has granted a higher 50 percent rating for the veteran's right wrist disability, which is the maximum possible schedular rating. The decision also notes that the veteran may still be eligible for TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current right wrist disability attributable to his military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and sinus condition. The appeal is also REMANDED to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the left arm/wrist/hand and right arm/elbow disabilities.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his medical records and consideration of the new evidence. The issues on appeal include service connection for wrist and knee injuries, as well as a claim for an increased rating for adjustment disorder.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for compensation pursuant to the provisions of 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for a right ankle disability on the basis that it was sustained in the pursuit of a course of vocational rehabilitation under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 31, and denied his claim for an increased rating for a left wrist disability.

The veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee, ankle, right shoulder, and right wrist disorders were denied as there is no current evidence of a disability.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions have been dismissed due to withdrawal of the claim for rheumatoid arthritis.

The Board has determined that the submitted evidence does not meet the criteria for reopening the veteran's previously denied claims of service connection for a low back disability, right carpal tunnel syndrome, and hypercholesterolemia. The cervical spine disability is also not established as service-connected.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating were denied. The Board found no evidence of a nexus between the claimed conditions and his military service.

The veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the hips, knees, wrists, and elbows, a bladder disability manifested by an overactive bladder, epididymitis with orchitis, a kidney disorder, depression, and PTSD are all denied as there is no competent evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for left ulnar release and carpal tunnel syndrome as secondary to the service-connected left wrist disability. Service connection for hepatitis C, allergies, and bronchitis was also denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the veteran's claim for service connection for a right wrist condition, including as secondary to her service-connected left wrist condition. The case is REMANDED for further action.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for a right wrist disability, PTSD, and left wrist disability due to lack of evidence supporting these conditions or their etiology.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current disability of carpal tunnel of the right hand, bilateral knee disorder, or lower back disorder incurred in service. The claim for these conditions is therefore denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his left knee disorder, service connection for a left ankle disorder, postoperative residuals of left wrist ganglion cyst removal, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus.