Wrist & hand decisions — 2010

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for left wrist fracture postoperative residuals were denied as the evidence did not show that his conditions warranted a rating in excess of the current assigned ratings.

The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's claim that his current disabilities are related to service, and thus denied the claim.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for residuals of a left wrist injury and bilateral hearing loss. The evidence submitted since the August 1955 rating decision did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, valvular heart disease, right hand CTS, and bilateral plantar fasciitis with heel spur and pes planus have been granted initial ratings. The lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of shrapnel fragment wounds (SFW) of the left forearm are currently rated at 40 percent, effective April 9, 2009. The Veteran is also entitled to a separate evaluation for degenerative joint disease of the left wrist and hand joints.

The Board has vacated its February 2008 decision and remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a VA medical nexus opinion regarding left ear hearing loss and ensuring proper VCAA notice in connection with reopening service connection claims.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including defective vision, left wrist disability, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, and right knee disability. The evidence submitted since the April 2001 rating decision did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating these claims.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine the etiology of any disorder associated with the Veteran's bilateral elbows and wrists. The Veteran is required to fully cooperate with VA efforts to provide an adequate medical examination.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his right wrist disability was denied as the evidence did not show that he had ankylosis, which would warrant a higher rating.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for residuals of a stress fracture of the right heel, tendonitis of the right wrist, and bilateral pes planus. The claim for visual impairment is based on service-connected tonsillectomy.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to determine the etiology of his bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and left knee disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The prostate cancer claim was not granted as the disability did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation, while the PTSD claim was also not granted due to its current mild disability picture.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than June 1, 2001 for the grant of non-service-connected disability pension.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a video-conference hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling VA examinations and obtaining additional evidence from SSA.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and residuals right wrist fracture. The claim for skin lesions is REMANDED due to insufficient competent medical evidence.

The Board has found that additional development is necessary and the case is being remanded to the RO/AMC for further action, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The appellant's service-connected disabilities, including cold injuries and hearing loss, do not render him unemployable as he is capable of performing sedentary employment.

The Veteran's orthopedic manifestations of the residuals of a fracture of the left wrist with arthritis are not characterized by any type of ankylosis, and thus do not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent.