Wrist & hand decisions — 2009

The veteran was granted service connection for right and left carpal tunnel syndrome, with ratings of 20 percent and 10 percent respectively, effective June 9, 2002. The rating for the right condition was increased to 30 percent, while the left remained at 10 percent.

The Board denied an increased initial rating for the veteran's right wrist tenosynovitis with arthritis in the radiocarpal joint and a higher rating for his recurrent right wrist ganglion cyst, as the evidence did not support ratings greater than 30 percent and 10 percent respectively.

The Board granted service connection for a ganglion cyst of the left wrist, resolving all doubt in favor of the veteran.

The veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, light sensitivity of the eyes, residuals of a neck injury, bilateral wrist disability, bilateral knee disability, bilateral ankle disability, bilateral foot disability and scars on both shins were denied as there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The veteran's left wrist ganglion cyst is not manifested by ankylosis, nor has it resulted in marked interference with earning capacity or employment beyond that interference contemplated by the assigned 10 percent evaluation.

The Board granted service connection for a bilateral knee disorder and found that new and material evidence had been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim for a left shoulder disorder, but denied service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome.

The veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disability and increased ratings for duodenal ulcer with hiatal hernia, tendonitis of the hands/wrists, residuals of an injury to the right foot/ankle, and hemorrhoids were denied.