Wrist & hand decisions — 2011

The Veteran's service-connected right wrist disability, characterized by nonunion of the scaphoid bone and arthritis with painful motion, does not meet the criteria for a higher rating than the current 30 percent assigned under Diagnostic Code 5212. The most recent VA examination did not show nonunion in the lower half or false movement.

The VA denied the appellant's claim for a compensable rating for residual scar, right thenar eminence and his request for service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome with median nerve compression at the right wrist. The disability is currently rated as 0 percent disabling.

The Veteran's claims for initial compensable disability ratings for his service-connected right elbow, left wrist, right knee, and left knee disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and updated treatment records.

The Board found no evidence of any diagnosed disorders of the wrists, hands or knees during or after active service. The Veteran's complaints were attributed to repetitive motions and cold weather, but there is no objective evidence supporting these claims.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left carpal tunnel syndrome as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus.,Service connection for hypertension was denied as it is not at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by the service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for low back, right wrist, and right elbow disabilities were denied as secondary to his service-connected right ankle disability. The Board found no evidence of a current disorder of the lumbar spine or upper extremities during the pendency of the claim.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of a fracture of the right wrist are currently evaluated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that this evaluation is appropriate given his symptoms.

The Board has determined that the reduction of the disability rating from 30 percent to 10 percent for status post surgical fusion of the left wrist was proper and effective as of April 1, 2007. The Veteran's service-connected condition is currently rated under Diagnostic Code 5214 due to ankylosis of the minor extremity wrist.

The Board has remanded the claims due to the need for further development, including obtaining additional medical opinions and records.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance or being housebound is remanded due to the possibility of worsening service-connected disabilities. His increased rating claim for spine disability is also referred back for further development.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for depression, a sleep disorder, joint pain involving the knees and wrists, fatigue, headaches, neuropsychological symptoms, and PTSD. The evidence received since September 2002 does not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate any of these claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected asthma and left wrist fracture.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and finds that new and material evidence has been received. The Veteran is now entitled to service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete examination reports and missing service treatment records. The Veteran needs to provide information about his medical history, including where he received care for carpal tunnel syndrome in service.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his left hand and wrist disabilities were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for either disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a video conference Board hearing. The claims related to service connection, disability ratings, and TDIU are not addressed in this decision.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, right and left knee disabilities, hypertension, asthma, right and left wrist disabilities, migraine headaches, allergic rhinitis, and erectile dysfunction, preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and industrial background. As such, a TDIU is granted.

The Veteran's service connection claim for left-sided sciatica is granted, and he is awarded a 10 percent initial rating for his left wrist ganglion cyst.

The Board denied the Veteran's application to reopen his claim of service connection for a low back disability and found that he did not meet the criteria for an increased rating for his right calf disability. The Veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome was also not granted as service connected.