Wrist & hand decisions — 2013

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his bilateral knee disabilities and left carpal tunnel syndrome, as well as service connection for nasal scars, were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for retropatellar pain syndrome of the right knee or left knee, or for left carpal tunnel syndrome prior to November 26, 2010. From November 26, 2010, the evidence did not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for left carpal tunnel syndrome. Service connection was granted for nasal scar residuals from service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations to address the issues on appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased initial ratings for her right wrist, right ankle, and left ankle disabilities are denied as there is no evidence of neurological impairment in the right wrist or a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis in either ankle. The current disability ratings assigned under Diagnostic Codes 5215-8515 and 5271 are found to be appropriate.

The Veteran seeks service connection for residuals of shrapnel wounds to his bilateral hands. The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the etiology of any current hand disabilities, including osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, chondrocalcinosis (CPPD), and peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's claim for bilateral hearing loss disability has not been reopened due to lack of new and material evidence. The left wrist condition is denied as there is no established link between the current condition and service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed upper extremity conditions, including carpal tunnel syndrome and ulnar nerve damage, did not have their onset in active service or are otherwise causally connected to his military service.

The Veteran's right wrist tendonitis was first diagnosed during his active military service and has persisted since then. The Board finds that the current right wrist tendonitis is related to his service, thus granting service connection.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for residuals of a puncture wound of the right foot instep was granted. The disability is manifested by pain and rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's left wrist disability did not meet the criteria for an extension of a temporary total rating beyond August 31, 2008.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current hearing loss disability for VA purposes and denied his claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The right wrist fracture issue is still pending.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, scheduling a VA examination, and considering whether separate ratings are warranted for each wrist.

The Veteran's low back injury with DJD resulted in marked interference with his employment as a truck driver and mechanic prior to February 20, 2007. From that date forward, the disability rendered him unable to perform these duties due to severe symptoms.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left wrist disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The decision found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for a left wrist disability.

The Veteran is entitled to a certificate of eligibility for assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing due to his service-connected right above-the-knee amputation and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, which together preclude locomotion without the aid of an electric wheelchair.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the eligibility requirements for a certificate of eligibility for specially adapted housing or a special home adaption grant due to his unsteady balance and coordination issues, which are not severe enough to qualify him under VA regulations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right and left wrist carpal tunnel syndromes are related to his military service, thus granting service connection for both conditions.

The Board found no evidence that the Veteran's claimed disabilities are related to his active service or service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II. As a result, the claims for service connection were denied.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is rated at 30 percent, and his cervical radiculopathy with paresthesias and carpal tunnel syndrome of the right upper extremity is rated at 20 percent. The Board has granted these ratings.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected left wrist disability is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and clarification of representation.