Wrist & hand decisions — 2011

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for his service-connected left wrist strain was denied as the evidence did not support an increase in the current 10 percent rating.

The Veteran's left hand disability is rated at 40 percent effective September 24, 2008. His benign prostatic hypertrophy is rated at 60 percent effective February 24, 2009.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current low bowel disorder, to include hemorrhoids. The residuals of the GSW, left lower leg are well-healed and do not meet the criteria for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent.

VA determined that the Veteran's scars do not meet the criteria for a compensable disability evaluation, as they are not tender or painful and do not cause limitation of function.,VA also found that the Veteran's traumatic arthritic residuals of a fractured left hip do not warrant an increased rating beyond 10 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing proper duty-to-assist notice.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected left wrist fusion and degenerative changes of the left ilium.

The Veteran's right wrist disability was granted service connection and initially rated at 10 percent prior to October 16, 2006. Since then, the disability has been rated at 30 percent since February 3, 2010.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including Meniere's syndrome with deafness and tinnitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic lumbosacral strain and degenerative arthritis, residuals of a left wrist injury, and residuals of a right wrist injury, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted the TDIU claim.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of a left wrist fracture with arthritis have been clinically shown to be manifested by limitation of motion and pain, but no ankylosis was found. The RO has assigned the highest possible rating under the applicable diagnostic code for this period.

Your appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a videoconference hearing. The Board will then consider your claims after the hearing.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the left wrist, and erectile dysfunction were denied. The Board found no evidence to support these conditions during service or within one year post-service, nor did they find a link between any current condition and service. Additionally, there was no evidence supporting loss of use of a creative organ.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for a bilateral wrist condition. However, due to further development needed, the claims for higher initial ratings for left and right knee disabilities and bilateral plantar fasciitis are being remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render her unemployable, as she is currently employed in an administrative/personnel capacity.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome was denied, while his claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for pes planus prior to August 23, 2010 was granted (to 30%).

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a right wrist disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder (manifested by anxiety or nervousness) are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining more recent personnel records and medical records.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining terminal treatment records and clarifying a previous VA medical opinion regarding whether service-connected conditions contributed to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee, ankle, foot, lumbar spine, and bilateral toes disorders are pending. The Veteran has been granted service connection for a scar of the right leg. His claims for service connection for tendinitis and/or gout of the left wrist and right wrist have been denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of residuals of a right wrist fracture cannot be granted as there is no evidence showing he filed his original claim prior to January 18, 2000.

The Board found that the Veteran's left wrist disability did not result from VA carelessness, negligence, or error. The evidence showed no permanent aggravation of his pre-existing condition.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and denied the remaining issues. Bilateral hearing loss is related to military service, while other conditions are not shown to be connected.