Wrist & hand decisions — 2010

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations to determine the current severity of his service-connected lumbar spine and right wrist disabilities, as well as any newly identified conditions. The effective dates will be determined based on the findings from these examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed left arm, shoulder, and wrist disabilities are not related to his period of service, including a bite from a Black Widow spider during service in 1969. As such, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran is seeking compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for a left forearm injury, proximal to the wrist, status post open reduction and internal fixation of a fracture of the distal radius. The Board has directed that an examination be conducted to determine if any currently existing additional disability found on examination is considered by a reasonable healthcare provider to be an ordinary risk of the care rendered by VA in 1998.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board grants a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's left knee disability is not rated higher than 10 percent due to the lack of evidence showing more severe symptoms such as locking, lateral instability, or recurrent subluxations.,The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis with hallux valgus does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent as there is no objective evidence of marked deformity, pain on manipulation and use accentuated, indication of swelling on use, characteristic callosities, or marked pronation. The impairment does not exceed that of moderate bilateral pes planus.,The Veteran's left wrist ganglion cyst has not been surgically treated and does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation as there are no significant symptoms or functional impairment.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of a gunshot wound to the right forearm with incomplete paralysis of the median nerve are rated at 40 percent since December 9, 2008. Separate evaluations for painful scars associated with the wounds have been granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating, reopening of service connection claim, and TDIU were denied. The right shoulder rotator cuff disability was found to not warrant an increase in the assigned rating. The carpal tunnel syndrome claim was reopened but further development is needed before it can be adjudicated on its merits.

The Veteran's left wrist condition is currently evaluated as 10 percent disabling due to noncompensable limitation of motion and x-ray evidence of arthritis, but no incapacitating exacerbations.,The Veteran's neurological residuals are currently evaluated as 10 percent disabling based on numbness, sensitivity to weather, and a positive Tinel's sign at the wrist.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder, right knee, left elbow disabilities and an acquired psychiatric disorder (other than dysthymic disorder with anxiety) to include PTSD and depression have been granted. The Veteran withdrew his appeals on the issues of carpal tunnel syndrome of the left wrist and irritable bowel syndrome to include as being due to chemical exposure prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee disability and right wrist cyst have been granted with appropriate ratings.

The Board has determined that the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for a right wrist disability. The appellant's current right wrist condition is attributed to post-service events, and there is no credible evidence linking his current right wrist disability to his military service.

The Veteran's tinea pedis and onychomycosis were granted service connection as they are related to his service. The right knee disorder is also granted service connection, but secondary to his already service-connected left knee disability. Service connection for the muscle condition in the left leg was denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, a skin disability other than pseudofolliculitis barbae, headaches, left wrist and foot disabilities, tinnitus, lung disability, and left hand disability. The decision also addressed issues related to initial compensable ratings for hallux valgus of the feet and sinusitis.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's claimed disabilities, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his current conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings has been withdrawn, and the claims for cervical intervertebral disc syndrome, lumbar degenerative disc disease, right shoulder degenerative joint disease, left upper extremity radiculopathy with cubital tunnel syndrome, residuals of partial medial meniscectomy, residual spurring from ankle injury, headaches associated with discectomy and fusion, and scar have all been denied.

The Veteran's appeal for a TDIU is being remanded due to the need for an updated opinion from a VA physician regarding his service-connected disabilities and their impact on employment.

The Veteran's left wrist ganglion cyst disability was characterized by pain and limitation of motion, but not deep or unstable. The Board granted a 10% evaluation for the time period from January 1, 2003 to October 19, 2006.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of a right wrist fracture were granted with an initial 10 percent rating prior to November 8, 2005, and a 30 percent rating effective January 1, 2006. The appeal for higher initial ratings is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right wrist fracture with degenerative joint disease warrants a rating of 10 percent prior to March 23, 2010 and a rating of 50 percent from March 23, 2010.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including scheduling a videoconference hearing and obtaining VA outpatient records from prior to December 2007.