Wrist & hand decisions — 2009

The veteran's claims for service connection for headaches and psychiatric disorders were granted, while all other claims for service connection were denied.

The veteran's service-connected pseudofolliculitis barbae was rated at 30 percent, but no higher. Other claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied.

The veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome of both upper extremities and cervical/lumbosacral strain do not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.

The veteran's left wrist carpal tunnel syndrome is not productive of complete paralysis, and his arthritis of the left wrist is productive of functional ankylosis at zero degrees.

The Board remands the claims for further development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling new VA examinations.

The appeal is remanded to determine the dates and circumstances of the veteran's most recent service, obtain relevant medical records, and schedule another VA examination to assess any current right wrist condition.

The veteran's suture laceration scars do not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation, and his multiple non-compensable service-connected disabilities do not clearly interfere with normal employability.

The Board denied service connection for arthritis of the cervical spine, right shoulder, wrists, hips, and left ankle; carpal tunnel syndrome of the right wrist; degenerative joint disease (arthritis) of the lumbar spine to include residuals of surgery; and residuals of a left knee contusion to include arthritis.

The Board remands the claims for further development, as additional evidence and clarification are needed to properly adjudicate these issues.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a left wrist disability, pancreatitis, depression, and liver disability as they were not supported by new and material evidence or sufficient medical evidence.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for degenerative joint disease, residuals of fracture, right wrist (dominant) is being remanded to the RO for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for a bilateral knee disorder, a bilateral shoulder disorder, a neck disorder, and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome based on the evidence showing that these conditions are related to military service.

The veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection claims related to bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, essential hypertension with coronary stenosis, neuropathy, left ankle arthritis, right ankle arthritis, left wrist arthritis, left foot arthritis, right foot arthritis, arthritis of the back, left knee arthritis, right knee arthritis, headaches, and loss of part of the stomach and large intestines.

The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for multilevel cervical spondylosis with tension spasms, left trapezius and an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for ganglionectomy, right wrist.

The appeal is remanded to the RO for further development of evidence related to the appellant's service medical records and private treatment records.

The Board granted service connection for a neurological disorder claimed as organic brain syndrome and/or dyslexia, and a cervical spine disorder. Carpal tunnel syndrome of both upper extremities was denied.

The Board granted a 20 percent rating for the cervical spine disability prior to April 18, 2008, and a 30 percent rating since that date. The left lower extremity radiculopathy was rated at 10 percent but no higher.

The veteran's claim for automobile and adaptive equipment or adaptive equipment only was denied as the evidence did not show that he had service-connected disability resulting in loss of use of at least one foot or a hand, or permanent impairment of vision in both eyes.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, low back disability, bilateral foot disability, sleep apnea, bronchitis and carpal tunnel syndrome as the evidence did not show that any of these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by active military service.

The veteran does not have a right wrist disability due to disease or injury which was incurred in or aggravated by service.