Wrist & hand decisions — 2010

The Veteran's claimed conditions are not service-connected as they are either diagnosed after service or not related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, right knee, tendonitis of the right shoulder and wrist, hemorrhoids, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) from March 1, 2008 were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for service-connected diabetes mellitus and a TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including new VA examinations addressing the effects of his service-connected disabilities on his ability to work.

The Veteran's right carpal tunnel syndrome with right ulnar nerve entrapment is characterized by pain and numbness, resulting in moderate impairment. The Board has determined that a rating of 30 percent is warranted for this disability.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings have been denied. The left knee disability is not shown to warrant a higher rating, and the wrist laceration residuals are only painful.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, bilateral knee chondromalacia, and bilateral wrist disability are all rated at their maximum levels. The TDIU claim is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his claimed disabilities and military service or exposure to Agent Orange.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities, including a shell fragment wound to the right arm and wrist. The case is now pending with the RO for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied across multiple conditions, with the exception of a claim to reopen due to new and material evidence.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for left wrist tendonitis, right shin splints, and left shin splints. The initial ratings assigned are 10 percent each.

The Veteran's right hip disorder and left hip fracture residuals are not currently diagnosed.,No new evidence has been submitted to reopen the claims for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, low back pain, and right wrist fracture residuals.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including chronic bilateral lower extremity stress fractures, right shoulder disability, flat feet, pulmonary disability, right wrist tendonitis, and bilateral hearing loss disability have been denied. The Board found no evidence of current disabilities related to the in-service complaints.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are denied. The Veteran has been granted service connection for tinnitus, but the maximum disability rating is already assigned.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claims for service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, left shoulder condition, right knee disorder, and cervical spine condition. However, it finds that there is insufficient evidence to establish a nexus between the Veteran's current tinnitus and his in-service noise exposure or any other incident of service.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of multiple excisions of a recurrent GCT of the left hand and wrist, as secondary to in-service exposure to Agent Orange. The Board also found that the Veteran's bilateral lung disease is secondary to his service-connected GCT of the left hand and wrist.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of chronic athlete's foot, and there is insufficient evidence to establish service connection for this condition. The right wrist condition with pain was found to be related to military service, but the sinusitis claim was denied as there is no evidence of in-service injury or disease. Headaches were also found not to be secondary to a service-connected disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hearing loss, tinnitus, and carpal tunnel syndrome are related to his service and grants these claims.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral wrist injury, bilateral foot injury, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, depression, and nervous/anxiety disorder), lumbar spine disorder, and epilepsy, partial complex. The claims were previously denied in December 2004 due to lack of evidence showing a nexus between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.

The Board has granted service connection for incontinence, resulting in a 50% disability rating. The Veteran's need for aid and attendance due to his multiple service-connected disabilities is also established, warranting SMC based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation due to the need for aid and attendance of another person or due to being housebound.