Wrist & hand decisions — 2009

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome of the right wrist, increased ratings for his right knee and thumb disabilities. The appeals were based on direct evidence rather than a presumption or secondary relationship to another condition.

The Board has determined that service connection for bilateral wrist sprain is warranted as the Veteran's current disability is due to in-service disease or injury.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and a right wrist disorder, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his active duty service. The claim for an increased disability rating for left wrist fracture residuals was also denied.

The Veteran's left thumb disability and carpal tunnel syndrome are considered to be secondary to his service-connected residuals of a traumatic fracture of the 2nd and 3rd proximal phalanx of the left hand.

The Board finds that the Veteran's left shoulder pain and degenerative changes are likely due to a rotator cuff injury sustained during service. The Board grants service connection for the residuals of a left rotator cuff injury with pain and degenerative changes.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates were denied. The right wrist disability was granted a 70% rating, TDIU, and DEA effective December 1, 2004.

The Veteran meets the criteria for special monthly pension on account of being housebound due to his multiple disabilities independently rated at more than 60 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including a VA examination to determine if his service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's service-connected left wrist disability is not shown to meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation, and therefore his initial claim for an increased rating has been denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left hand and wrist disorder, diagnosed as carpal tunnel syndrome, is service-connected. The sinus disorder was not found to be related to service. The acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD was also granted service connection.

The Veteran's right wrist disability, residuals of shrapnel wound to the right hand, and left hip disability are all found to be related to service. However, there is no evidence of hearing loss or tinnitus during service or within one year post-service, leading to a determination that these conditions are not related to service.

The Board finds that the Veteran's statements regarding his left wrist injury and treatment are credible, and there is competent medical evidence establishing post-traumatic limitation of motion and scarring as residuals of a laceration and tendon repair. Therefore, service connection for residuals of a left wrist injury is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a left wrist disability and upper back condition. The decision also addressed whether new and material evidence had been received to reopen claims for frostbite of the lower extremities, frostbite of the upper extremities, bladder cancer, bilateral hearing loss disability, tinnitus, and bipolar disorder with depression.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected residuals, fracture left wrist is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional development of medical records.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a broken nose and residuals of a right wrist fracture. The claim for residuals of a right wrist fracture is granted, while the claim for residuals of a broken nose remains denied.

The Board has denied the appellant's claims for service connection for headaches, a low back condition, hearing loss, and right hand and wrist conditions due to lack of medical evidence showing current disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a left wrist disorder and a cervical spine disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board found that the Veteran's current complaints of hand cramping are related to pre-existing conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, ulnar neuropathy, and cervical spine radiculopathy, which are not service-connected. The chronic disability of cramps in the neck, feet, and legs is also not shown.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection due to lack of evidence linking his current conditions to his time in service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, bilateral CTS and left ulnar nerve neuropathy, DJD of the shoulders and knees, and degenerative joint disease of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine are being remanded due to the need for additional development.