Wrist & hand decisions — 2009

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of left distal radius fracture and fixation are currently evaluated as 10 percent disabling.,The Veteran's residual left thigh neuropathy with status-post bone graft is not manifested by severe to complete paralysis, warranting a noncompensable evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome of the right hand, secondary to his service-connected right hand disability, was granted with an effective date of January 24, 2001.

The Veteran's service connection claims for residuals of a fractured left wrist and broken 4th finger of the left hand were denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's increased rating claim for residuals of a left wrist and hand laceration was denied, but his scar residuals were granted an increased rating to 10 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected post-operative residuals of the right wrist are productive of pain and limitation of motion but not ankylosis, warranting a 10 percent rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left wrist disorder was granted with an effective date of November 30, 1946.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hearing loss, left knee and ankle disabilities, low back disability, neck disability, right wrist disability, and migraine headaches was denied. The appeal is also denied regarding the TDIU claim.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for psoriasis, residuals of a fracture of the right fourth finger between the metatarsal and wrist, and migraines were denied. The Board found that her service-connected conditions did not warrant higher disability ratings based on the current evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for fibromyalgia, mycoplasma infection, right and left knee disorders, as well as increased ratings for carpal tunnel syndrome of the right and left wrists have all been granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's multiple service-connected disabilities, rated at a combined 70 percent disabling, preclude her from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment. As such, TDIU is granted.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a disorder of the right hand and wrist due to new evidence. Service connection is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial rating greater than 20 percent for his service-connected left wrist disability, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The Board has determined that service connection is warranted for the Veteran's left shoulder disorder, sinusitis, sleep apnea, nephrolithiasis with left back pain, and residuals of hyperextension injury of the right wrist. The appeal regarding these claims is granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for cervical spine, lumbar spine, and left wrist conditions were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under VA rating criteria.

The Board found no evidence of a current underlying disorder associated with the Veteran's complaints, and thus denied service connection for all claimed conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome or headaches that are related to his period of service. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's right wrist disability is currently rated at 10 percent, and his umbilical hernia scar does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating. The Board has determined that these ratings are appropriate based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and migraine headaches are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for his left wrist disability was denied as the current condition does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA's rating schedule.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bleeding in the stomach, a subdural hematoma, wrist, ankle, neck, elbow, and knee disorders, fatigue, and headaches have been denied. The Board found that there is no evidence to support these claims.