Wrist & hand decisions — 2010

The Veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome of the right wrist was granted a 10 percent rating effective from the date of his claim. The disability is rated based on its mild nature and intermittent symptoms such as numbness and pain.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the extent of his service-connected disabilities and any bilateral wrist disability, as well as whether these conditions are related to service or a service-connected disorder.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for his service-connected disabilities have been withdrawn.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left wrist carpal tunnel syndrome and initial evaluations for lumbar sprain and tension headaches were denied. The Board found that there was no current diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome, and the Veteran did not meet the criteria for an increased evaluation for her lumbar sprain or a compensable evaluation for her tension headaches.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current diagnoses of a right foot disorder, right shoulder disorder, or left wrist disorder. The claims for service connection for these conditions are denied.

The Veteran's left wrist disability, which includes a fracture and surgical treatment, results in noncompensable limitation of motion with pain on use. The Board has determined that the criteria for a compensable evaluation under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5215 are met.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rate of SMC based on need for aid and attendance is denied as the disability requiring such assistance is due to his service-connected residuals of poliomyelitis, not separate disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, as well as his claim for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, all related to exposure to herbicides. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were caused by Agent Orange exposure.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left wrist disabilities, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between the current conditions and active duty service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a left eye disorder, initial evaluations for low back disorder with radicular foot pain and GERD, evaluations for right and left heel spurs and plantar fasciitis, and evaluation for right wrist tendonitis were all denied. The Veteran was not granted any new or material evidence to reopen her previously denied claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and records review. The issues include service connection for hypertension, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, and PTSD.

The Veteran's left wrist ganglion cyst recurrence was not caused by VA care, and the resulting disability is considered a natural progression of treatment. The Board finds that compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for this condition is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining SSA records.

The Board found that the Veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome of the right upper extremity is not related to his military service and denied the claim for service connection.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a right wrist fracture, back and/or neck injuries, and a right arm injury. The Veteran's claims were not supported by competent evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for scapholunate dissociation of the left hand/wrist. The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis is related to his military service and was aggravated by physical training.

The Veteran requested withdrawal of his appeal for a higher initial rating for his right wrist disability, and the Board dismissed the appeal as a result.

The Veteran's low back, right wrist, left knee, and right knee conditions were all found to be incurred in service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for increased rating and TDIU.

The Veteran's left carpal tunnel syndrome associated with healed fracture, left wrist is currently evaluated as 20 percent disabling. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher evaluation.