Wrist & hand decisions — 2009

The Veteran is seeking an increased evaluation for his service-connected residuals of a fracture of the right wrist. The Board has determined that additional development, including obtaining medical records from Dr. R.K. and Dr. H.E., is necessary before deciding this claim.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left carpal tunnel syndrome and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine were denied as there was no evidence to support a higher rating based on current symptoms.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an effective date prior to June 20, 2001 for SMC for loss of use of her left hand and for a rating in excess of 40% for rheumatoid arthritis. The evidence showed that she had significant impairment of her left hand function since at least March 1990.

The Board has determined that there is no new and material evidence to reopen the claims for service connection for status post excision of an osteophyte from the dorsum of the right hand and for status post excision of a ganglion cyst from the left wrist.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been reopened. The right carpal tunnel syndrome remains rated at 10 percent, but the Veteran is entitled to a higher rating due to increased symptoms since June 14, 2006.

The Veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome is found to have developed during service and is granted as service connected.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to incomplete service records and need to verify periods of active duty.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine if there is a causal nexus between the Veteran's active military service and his current residuals of a right wrist injury and right ankle disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD is found to be service-connected due to a credible account of personal assault. The left wrist disorder and right wrist disorder are not service-connected as there is no evidence linking them to military service or any incident therein.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render her incapable of securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for a left wrist sprain and left hip tendonitis, as well as an increased rating for his service-connected left knee patellofemoral syndrome prior to April 28, 2009 and in excess of 10 percent from that date, have been denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection and increased rating for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum rating available under the applicable diagnostic code. The Board found that his condition does not warrant a higher rating based on the need for insulin or regulation of activities. Service connection was granted for left carpal tunnel syndrome and peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity as secondary to diabetes mellitus, but the Veteran's employment is not affected by these conditions.

The Veteran seeks payment or reimbursement for a surgery performed on October 8, 2004. The Board finds that clarification is needed regarding prior authorization from VA and whether it was rescinded before the surgery.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of shell fragment wounds of the arms, wrists and hands is denied. The Board found no medical evidence of such injuries or their residuals. For PTSD, the Veteran's condition does not meet the criteria for a higher initial evaluation.

The Board has reopened the claims of service connection for low back and cervical spine disorders, but denied them on the merits. The right shoulder and wrist conditions were not reopened as there was no new and material evidence presented.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his request for withdrawal of all claims except for a higher rating for PTSD, TDIU, and service connection for diverticulosis and shingles.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and VA treatment records.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have a current psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The service department records do not support his claims of gunshot wounds to the left calf and low back injury during active service. His fractured jaw and preexisting wrist disability are also not related to service.

The VA did not find that the Veteran's current left upper extremity complaints were caused by a fault on the part of the VA in providing medical treatment, and thus denied his claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.