Wrist & hand decisions — 2012

The Board denied a schedular rating greater than 10 percent for the Veteran's service-connected right wrist disability, but found that an extraschedular evaluation was warranted. The Director of Compensation and Pension Service awarded an additional 10 percent evaluation on an extraschedular basis. Now, the Veteran is appealing the assignment of the 20 percent rating.

The Veteran's right carpal tunnel syndrome was granted service connection as it began during active service. The other issues on appeal are related to higher initial ratings for diabetes mellitus, nephropathy with edema and hypertension, and gout.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his inability to attend the scheduled hearing. His claims for service connection remain pending.

The Veteran is seeking compensation under the provisions of 38 U.S.C. � 1151 for additional disabilities in his upper and lower extremities that developed after a bilateral hernia repair surgery at the VA Medical Center (VAMC) in Asheville, North Carolina on May 22, 2006.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a videoconference hearing due to his inability to attend a previously scheduled in-person hearing.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for various conditions and seeks to reopen previously denied claims. The case is being remanded for a videoconference hearing.

Service connection for a right knee disorder and compensation benefits under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for additional disability of the right knee were denied, but service connection was granted for left carpal tunnel syndrome.,PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's claims for initial compensable evaluations and increased ratings for his service-connected postural syncope, benign positional vertigo, and left wrist injury were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support higher evaluations based on the DeLuca factors or ankylosis.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain National Guard treatment records and VA outpatient clinic records, as well as any relevant Social Security Administration disability benefits records. The Veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome claim will also be reviewed with the assistance of a VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected right wrist disability is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that a higher evaluation is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining SSDI records and VA vocational rehabilitation file. The Veteran is to be scheduled for an orthopedic examination to determine the nature and etiology of his back disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination and additional development of medical records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the unavailability of her service treatment records and the need for additional medical examination.

The Veteran's left distal ulna fracture is characterized by mild deformity, painful motion, and slightly diminished grip strength. The Board granted a 10 percent rating for this condition.

The Veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome of the left upper extremity is essentially normal; there is no nerve root irritation, loss of sensation, reduced muscle strength, or reduced grip strength, and diagnostic tests are normal. The criteria for a compensable rating have not been met.

The Veteran requested to withdraw the issue of an increased rating for residuals of a shell fragment wound in the suprapubic area. The Board dismissed this claim as withdrawn.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current osteoarthritis of the left ankle and left wrist is related to his military service, raising a reasonable doubt as to whether these conditions are directly related. The Veteran's complaints of pain in his ankles and wrists during active duty have led to arthritis diagnoses post-service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome is not related to his service or service-connected diabetes mellitus, and therefore denied the claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left knee disorder is attributable to an in-service injury, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.

The VA determined that the Veteran's right wrist disability is adequately reflected in the current 10 percent rating, and thus does not warrant an extra-schedular evaluation.