Wrist & hand decisions — 2009

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his left wrist disability is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding service treatment records and further examination is needed for PTSD, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, and congestive heart failure. The Veteran's claims of service connection are not decided at this time.

The Board denied service connection for a right wrist disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The claim for a compensable evaluation of the residuals of a left little toe fracture was also denied.

The Veteran's left wrist disability, which resulted in a slight anterior iliac bone graft to the carpal navicular (scaphoid) bone during service, is currently rated at 20 percent. The Board finds that this rating adequately reflects the current functional impairment of the left wrist.

The Veteran's left wrist disability, manifested by ankylosis at zero degrees with no functional range of motion, is currently rated at 30 percent under Diagnostic Code 5214. The rating has been granted and remains unchanged.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability, an initial compensable rating for his right wrist disability, and an initial rating greater than 10 percent for postoperative residuals of bilateral inguinal hernias. The Veteran failed to report for multiple VA examinations scheduled in connection with these claims.

The Veteran's combined disability rating of 50 percent, effective March 19, 2004, was correctly calculated by the RO. A higher rating is not warranted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and opinion regarding the etiology of his condition.

The Board is remanding the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and readjudicating the issues of service connection and effective dates.

The Veteran's claims for specially adapted housing and special home adaptation grant were denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and left distal peroneal neuropathy of the left lower extremity, finding that these conditions are at least as likely as not related to service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected left wrist fracture, lumbar strain, and right knee injury were denied as the evidence did not support a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's service-connected right wrist disability is currently rated at 10 percent, the maximum schedular evaluation available under Diagnostic Code 5215. The Board finds that his condition does not warrant a higher rating as he has not demonstrated ankylosis of the wrist.

The VA Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tendonitis of both wrists, finding that there is no medical evidence to support a relationship between her current wrist conditions and her military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed right arm, hand, and left arm conditions are not related to service or his service-connected right wrist fracture. The claims for these conditions have been denied.

The Board has denied service connection for left wrist tendonitis and degenerative joint disease of the left wrist, as well as service connection for degenerative joint disease of the left knee. The claims were not granted due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for left wrist and right shoulder disorders has been withdrawn. The claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease from May 29, 2003 to March 29, 2005 is denied as the disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating during this period. From March 30, 2005, an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent is also denied.

The Board found no competent medical evidence linking the Veteran's current bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome to his military service, and denied the claim.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral ingrown toenails, a bilateral hand disorder, migraine headaches, complex allergies, and increased ratings for her service-connected rheumatoid arthritis of the knees, wrists, and feet, as well as an earlier effective date for her disability evaluations, are all denied.

The Board found that the appellant did not have current diagnoses of a cervical spine disorder, low back disorder, left shoulder disorder, or bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome related to his military service. Therefore, service connection for these conditions was denied.