Wrist & hand decisions — 2009

The Board denied increased (compensable) ratings for the service-connected left elbow scar, right wrist scars, and right leg scar.

The Board denied service connection for a chronic neck disorder, back disorder, bilateral wrist disorder, and bilateral knee disorder as there was no evidence of these conditions during active service or within the applicable presumptive period.

The Board remands the issues of entitlement to service connection for right wrist, arm, and leg disabilities due to a need for additional development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left wrist damage, left forearm damage, and a lung disability were denied as there was no evidence of a current disability or that the claimed conditions manifested in service.

The claim for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for left wrist fracture with residual dislocation and abduction deformity of the left little finger was denied.

The veteran was granted service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome of the left wrist, and denied an increased evaluation in excess of 10 percent for left shoulder strain. The claim for an increased evaluation for right carpal tunnel syndrome was not decided.

The Board denied service connection for a seizure disorder, degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine, carpal tunnel of the right upper extremity, left knee disorder, and migraine headaches as there was no evidence to support that these conditions were incurred or aggravated during active military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased rating and service connection as there was no evidence of a current disability or that any claimed conditions were related to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hemorrhoids and rectal bleeding, a bilateral hip condition, a right shoulder condition, and a bilateral wrist condition as there was no evidence of current diagnoses or a nexus to service.

The Board denied service connection for breast cancer, PTSD, bilateral wrist disorder, low back disorder, right foot disorder, and right knee disorder as the evidence did not show that any of these conditions were incurred or aggravated during active duty for training (ACDUTRA) or inactive duty for training (INACDUTRA).

The Board denied service connection for deep vein thrombosis of the left leg, sleep apnea, and post-traumatic stress disorder as there was no competent medical evidence establishing a link to active service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for arthritis of various joints, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability related to service.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a fracture of the right fifth metacarpal, carpal tunnel syndrome with ganglion cyst of the right wrist (claim withdrawn), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and an initial rating higher than 10 percent prior to September 24, 2004, and to a rating higher than 30 percent thereafter for residuals of a closed head injury, to include migraine headaches.

The veteran withdrew appeals for service connection for sleep apnea, headaches, skin disorder, asbestos exposure, lung disorder, buttocks injury, arthritis of the dorsal spine (claimed as back, left hand, neck, knees, ankles, and legs), pes planus, refractive error, cystitis, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, bursitis, left shoulder, enlarged heart, and compression fracture, T3-8.

The Board denied an increased rating for the Veteran's traumatic arthritis of the left wrist and atrophy of the thenar muscles of the left hand, as the evidence did not support a higher evaluation.

The Board found that new and material evidence had been received to reopen the claims for service connection for bilateral wrist injuries and a bilateral shoulder disability, but did not address the merits of these claims. The appeal was remanded for further development.

The appeal is being remanded to obtain additional evidence and ensure compliance with the VCAA.

The veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, and increased ratings for the low back disorder, right knee disorder, right wrist disorder, left shoulder disorder, and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity were denied.

The veteran's bilateral pes planus was granted service connection, and his PTSD rating was increased to 50 percent. The CTS of the right wrist did not meet criteria for a higher initial rating.

The veteran's appeal for service connection for Type II diabetes mellitus, hypertension, right wrist arthritis, and residuals of a right leg fracture was withdrawn. Service connection was granted for residuals of a left ankle fracture and right foot calluses.