Wrist & hand decisions — 2010

The Veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and right knee disability were evaluated, but the appeal was denied as there is no indication of service connection for cervical spine or TDIU issues. The Veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome was rated at 30 percent for the dominant hand and 20 percent for the non-dominant hand, while his right knee disability was rated at 10 percent.

The Board finds that the Veteran's right wrist non-union fracture of the scaphoid is the result of injury incurred during active military service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected left wrist fracture with post-traumatic osteoarthritis is rated at 10 percent, and his claim for secondary service connection for right wrist arthritis has been granted. The effective date of the rating decision is not specified.

The Veteran's earlier effective date for service connection of residuals of a right wrist/arm injury is granted to January 10, 1986. This was the filing date of his initial claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder tendonitis and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome are not service-connected. The right shoulder disorder is attributed to a workplace injury unrelated to active service, while the carpal tunnel syndromes are due to or aggravated by an injury incurred during inactive duty for training.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found that new and material evidence had been received to reopen the claim for a skin disability, but not for diabetes mellitus. The Veteran does not have hypoglycemia or fatigue related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling updated VA examinations and providing appropriate VCAA notice.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and residuals of a stab wound to the right wrist as there is no evidence of such conditions during service or within one year post-service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to report for a scheduled examination, and the case will be reviewed again with new evidence.

The Veteran's service records show multiple right wrist injuries, including a fracture. However, the VA examiner found no current diagnosed disability related to these in-service injuries and the Veteran failed to report for a scheduled examination. Therefore, the claim is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for further development, including scheduling a videoconference hearing.

The Board has denied service connection for PTSD, left wrist ganglion cyst, and left knee disability. Service connection is granted for bilateral tinea pedis (foot fungus).

The Board found that there is no current evidence of a bilateral foot disability, and the Veteran's lumbar spine and right wrist disabilities do not meet the criteria for higher initial ratings.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining records from Dr. DKB at UNC Chapel Hill.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is found to be related to noise exposure during service. The Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome was denied as there is no current disability in the wrists, and his symptoms are attributed to a right thumb disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability evaluations for his service-connected right wrist and knee conditions are being remanded to the RO for further development, including additional VA examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require the regular aid and attendance of another person to perform activities of daily living and protect him from daily life hazards.

The Veteran's service-connected scar from a shell fragment wound to the right wrist is rated at 10 percent, and no higher. The RO granted an increased rating of 20 percent for the right thumb flexion deformity effective April 30, 2007.