Wrist & hand decisions — 2013

The Veteran's service-connected chondromalacia patella of the left knee status post medial meniscectomy is currently rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating under Diagnostic Code 5259. The RO has also granted temporary total disability ratings for surgical treatment and assigned a 10 percent rating effective September 1, 2007. For the period prior to October 9, 2012, the Veteran's carpal tunnel syndromes are rated at 10 percent each. Since October 9, 2012, her right and left carpal tunnel syndromes have been rated at 30 and 20 percent, respectively. The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis has also been rated at 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and incomplete records, including missing private medical records. The Veteran's claim for service connection for right and left carpal tunnel syndrome will be reconsidered.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hand disorder, including arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome, is not related to his military service. The VA examiner concluded that the Veteran's hands developed degenerative changes due to normal aging and use, rather than an inservice injury.

The Veteran's right wrist strain is rated as 10 percent disabling, effective January 3, 2003.,The Veteran's left lower eyelid scar and left index finger residuals are not service-connected.

The Veteran's degenerative joint disease of the left wrist is related to an injury in service, and his right wrist disabilities are not shown to be related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current left hip, right wrist, left wrist, or psychiatric disabilities (to include PTSD and depression) due to disease or injury incurred in service. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome is currently rated at 10%.,Prior to February 12, 2010, the Veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome was rated at 10%. As of February 12, 2010, his right wrist and left wrist carpal tunnel syndromes are each rated at 30%.

The case is being remanded to the Board for further consideration at the RO level due to a change in the hearing officer.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis of the left elbow and arthritis of the left wrist, as new and material evidence has been submitted. The VA will provide further examination to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left elbow disorder and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, finding that there is no evidence of such conditions in service or at separation.

The Veteran's right hand fracture and associated wrist disorder are not shown to be causally or etiologically related to any disease, injury, or incident in service. The Board finds that the Veteran did not sustain a fracture during active duty as he reported, and there is no evidence of arthritis within one year post-service.

The Board found no evidence of a left knee disorder or right wrist disorder that was present during service, and denied the Veteran's claims for service connection.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a diagnosed jaw disability or any other service-connected condition. The initial ratings for hypertension, GERD with hiatal hernia, tinea pedis of the bilateral feet, and right wrist CTS are denied as there is no current evidence of these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for clarification regarding his ability to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation based on his service-connected disabilities, including his dyslexia and lack of computer literacy.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and records review. The issues include service connection for a left wrist disorder, right medial nerve neuralgia evaluation, and bilateral hearing loss.

The Board denied an increased rating for right carpal tunnel syndrome and hypertension, finding that the Veteran's symptoms did not warrant a higher disability rating based on the severity of her condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating for his left ankle fracture are denied. The Board found that the right wrist condition did not manifest in service or be related to a service-connected disability, while the left ankle condition resulted in painful motion but no ankylosis.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's current bilateral wrist disability is related to his service, including the claimed trauma from loading weapons during active duty.

The Board has determined that the effective dates for the grants of service connection and special monthly compensation are November 13, 2006, based on the date of receipt of the initial claims.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates have been granted. The right wrist fracture residuals are rated at 10 percent, the right ankle injury with traumatic arthritis is rated at 30 percent, service connection for a lumbar spine disability was established on January 8, 2008, the 30% rating for the right ankle injury was effective December 18, 2006, and TDIU became effective January 8, 2008.