Wrist & hand Board decisions

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for carpal tunnel syndrome and thoracic outlet syndrome, as well as a compensable rating for the scar from carpal tunnel surgery, were denied. The Board found no evidence of complete paralysis due to service-connected carpal tunnel syndrome or severe incomplete paralysis of the long thoracic nerve resulting from service-connected thoracic outlet syndrome.,The veteran's claim for TDIU was also denied as his service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 was denied as his acquired psychiatric disorder and laceration of the left wrist are not deemed to be due to VA hospital care, medical or surgical treatment, or examination.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The carpal tunnel syndrome and scar, residual of gunshot wound, right hand and wrist, are currently rated at the maximum allowed under VA regulations.

The veteran's claims for service connection for a ganglion cyst on the right wrist and gastrointestinal disorder were denied. The veteran was granted service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease, but his initial compensable disability ratings for residuals of left ganglion cyst excision, meniscal tear of the left knee, and left otitis media were not granted.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new examination to determine the current severity of her left wrist disability. The benefit sought on appeal may now be granted based on this additional evidence.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including left ventricular hypertrophy, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, tinnitus, degenerative changes consistent with seronegative rheumatoid arthritis or gout of the left wrist, peripheral neuropathy affecting multiple extremities, and bilateral hearing loss, preclude him from engaging in substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a total rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for additional medical examination and opinions regarding whether the veteran's current wrist disabilities are related to his active military service, including a motor vehicle accident in May 1979.

The Board found that the veteran did not have an employment handicap and thus, basic entitlement to vocational rehabilitation training was denied.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic bronchitis and awarded a compensable initial rating of 10 percent for the veteran's scars of the left forearm. The veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae is rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available under current criteria. The residuals of his laceration to the left wrist are also rated at 10 percent.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his service-connected fracture of the right index metacarpal with associated carpal tunnel release is being remanded due to inconsistencies in the findings regarding the relationship between the neurological symptoms and the service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to a lack of proper VCAA notice.

The medical evidence does not show a current right wrist disability, and the claim is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right wrist disorders are related to his military service, granting service connection.

The veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a right wrist fracture was denied because the VA determined that his injury existed prior to service. The case is being remanded due to incomplete service records and the need for a medical examination.

The Board has determined that the grant of service connection for left ear hearing loss was clearly and unmistakably erroneous, and thus the severance of this condition from the veteran's record is proper. The claim of service connection for right hand carpal tunnel syndrome remains pending.

The VA denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for her right and left carpal tunnel syndromes, finding that they do not warrant ratings in excess of 30 percent and 10 percent respectively.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, fracture of the right wrist with secondary neuropathy, residuals of a fractured left mandible and maxilla with temporomandibular joint dysfunction, and facial scars, do not meet the criteria for higher disability ratings. The combined rating is 80 percent.

The Board found that the veteran's acid reflux disease, hemorrhoids, and residuals of left wrist fracture do not meet the criteria for service connection or higher initial evaluations. The medical evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred in service.

The veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, right knee injury, and left thumb, hand, or wrist injuries have been denied as there is no current disability of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's pulmonary disease, claimed as occupational asthma, and right wrist/hand metacarpal boss/ganglion cyst disability were not incurred or aggravated by active service. Therefore, these claims are denied.