Wrist & hand decisions — 2009

The Veteran's left wrist disability, which includes some pain and limitation of motion but not ankylosis or arthritis, warrants a 10 percent rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected conditions do not warrant a compensable rating or service connection, and thus the appeal is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right wrist disability is currently evaluated at the maximum 10 percent evaluation under Diagnostic Code 5215, and does not meet criteria for a higher rating based on ankylosis. The claim of entitlement to an increased evaluation in excess of 10 percent for the service-connected residuals of a right wrist fracture has been denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, finding that there was no evidence of current disabilities or residuals from injuries sustained during his military service.

The Veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, residuals of a hysterectomy, and hernia secondary to a hysterectomy are all found to be related to service. PTSD is not considered due to lack of verified in-service stressors.

The Veteran's bilateral hand, wrist, hip, ankle and foot disorders were not incurred in or aggravated by service. His lumbar spine and knee disorders are secondary to his diabetes mellitus. The Veteran is entitled to a TDIU effective April 5, 2001.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The TDIU claim is pending.

The Veteran's death was not due to a service-connected condition, and therefore his surviving spouse is not entitled to DIC benefits. The claim for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) under Chapter 35 of Title 38 also fails.

The Board has denied service connection for right wrist, right knee and right ankle disabilities due to a lack of competent evidence showing current disability or in-service injury. The claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are also pending.

The Board found no evidence of a low back condition during service and denied the Veteran's claims for bilateral hand and wrist disability and bilateral ankle disability due to lack of continuity of symptoms after service.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current right elbow disability and thus cannot establish service connection. The Veteran's seizure disorder, absence seizures (petit mal), is currently rated at 10 percent under Diagnostic Code 8911 for petit mal epilepsy. The Veteran's chronic ethmoid sinusitis has been evaluated as noncompensable. The Veteran's right wrist sprain does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of evidence showing that the appellant was permanently incapable of self-support prior to her 18th birthday. The AMC is instructed to obtain SSA records for the appellant and review the expanded record.

The Veteran's claim for RH or Gratuitous ARH Insurance was denied as he did not apply within the required time frame and there is no evidence of mental incompetence during his lifetime.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a VA medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's right wrist carpal tunnel syndrome and his service-connected right hand disabilities.

The Board denied entitlement to service connection for various disabilities, including head injury with memory loss, neck disorder, left wrist disorder, left ankle disorder, anxiety disorder, chest disorder, and seizure disorder or residuals of a gunshot wound to the left arm. The Veteran's claim was not granted as he failed to cooperate by failing to report for scheduled examinations.

The Board finds that the degree of impairment due to residuals of a left wrist fracture with degenerative joint disease more closely approximates the criteria for a 30 percent evaluation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and VA examination reports.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, low back disability, right ankle sprain with residual, tinea pedis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The evidence did not support a current diagnosis of these conditions or establish a link to active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a right arm or hand disability that is attributable to military service, or was caused or made worse by service-connected disability. The Veteran's stomach disorder and sinusitis are also not found to be related to military service.