Wrist & hand Board decisions

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for higher ratings for carpal tunnel syndrome of both hands, finding that the evidence does not support a rating in excess of 20 percent for the left hand or 30 percent for the right hand.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current low back disability and right upper extremity injury are not service-connected, as there is no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The veteran's service connection claims for various conditions are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and medical opinions.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current bilateral feet or wrists disability related to his military service, and there is no evidence of a left knee disability related to his military service. As such, the claims for service connection are denied.

The Board found that the veteran's DJD of the left wrist and left hand disability were not caused by his service-connected left elbow disability or his active military service, and therefore denied both claims.

The veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for VA examinations, Social Security Administration records, and proper notice under Dingess v. Nicholson.

The veteran's severe joint pain, including neurological disability involving the wrists, elbows, shoulders, and lower extremities, was not determined to be caused by VA medical treatment.

The RO reduced the veteran's rating for carpal tunnel syndrome of the right arm from 50 percent to 10 percent effective March 31, 2005. The reduction was proper as it reflected improvement in his condition.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have arthritis of the thoracic spine, cervical spine, bilateral shoulders, hips, knees, ankles, feet, elbows, or wrists. As such, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral wrist carpal tunnel syndrome, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus between his current condition and his active duty service or any service-connected disability.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a compensable initial disability rating for carpal tunnel syndrome of the left wrist and service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome of the right wrist, finding that his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.

The veteran's claim for non-service-connected disability pension benefits is denied because he did not meet the eligibility criteria, specifically due to his involuntary separation from service and lack of a qualifying period of active duty.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for sinus bradycardia, right carpal tunnel syndrome, deviated nasal septum, and allergic rhinitis as there was no competent medical evidence showing these conditions were incurred or aggravated during active duty.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have left carpal tunnel syndrome and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran's right shoulder disability is rated at 10% and does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The veteran's right wrist disability is rated at 10% and does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The veteran's right elbow disability is rated as noncompensable (0%) and does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for erectile dysfunction, finding that the veteran's reported symptoms started during his period of active duty. The other claims were denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD warrants a 50% rating throughout the appeal period.

The veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional employment records.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected compression fracture to L2 vertebra, left wrist condition, and left superior ramus and ischium condition. The current ratings are 50% for the compression fracture, 10% for each of the other conditions.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a current disability for the left wrist carpal tunnel syndrome or tuberculosis, and thus service connection cannot be granted.