Wrist & hand Board decisions

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations have been denied. The RO has not provided a compensable evaluation for hepatitis-B or right-sided carpal tunnel syndrome.

The veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome of the right hand was initially rated at 10 percent prior to June 4, 2002. Beginning from that date, it is now rated at 30 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and special monthly pension based on aid and attendance/housebound status. The claim for service connection was denied due to lack of new and material evidence, while the claim for special monthly pension was denied as the veteran did not meet the criteria for either aid and attendance or housebound status.

The veteran's residuals of a left wrist fracture were increased to 10 percent effective September 16, 2003.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims of service connection for back, left knee, and right knee disorders. The veteran's conditions are related to his inservice motor vehicle accidents.

The Board has determined that there is no current disability involving either carpal tunnel syndrome or a bilateral hand disorder, and thus the appellant does not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Board found that the veteran's current right wrist disorder began during his active service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder, right hand carpal tunnel syndrome, and left hand arthritis. However, these issues are REMANDED to allow for additional development.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis of both elbows, wrists, and right wrist. The decision also addressed his claim for an initial compensable disability rating for actinic keratosis between October 1, 1993 and July 12, 1995, and a subsequent increased disability rating from July 13, 1995.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis of the left wrist and a higher rating for PTSD.

The Board denied service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as the veteran's current condition was not present in service and is not shown to be related to service or a service-connected disability.

The Board dismissed the veteran's appeal due to his death, and therefore no decision was made on the merits of the claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current chronic left arm and wrist disorder, nor any evidence of such in service. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's residuals of a fracture of the right hand, including deformity of the 4th metacarpal and decreased range of motion of the right wrist, were incurred in active service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for additional development and compliance with VCAA requirements. The case will be returned to the Board after this process.

The Board found that the veteran's right wrist disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and denied his claim for increased rating of his right thumb disorder.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining recent medical records and scheduling VA examinations. The veteran's claims for service connection and initial rating will be reconsidered after these steps.

The Board has determined that there is no current evidence of a low back disability or numbness and tingling of both knees. The veteran's claims for these conditions are denied.

The VA denied service connection for a disability of the right median nerve manifested by numbness of the right hand, claimed as carpal tunnel syndrome, due to lack of evidence showing a current disability related to service.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected left wrist injury and PTSD are being remanded to the RO for further development of the record, including obtaining additional medical records and ensuring compliance with all due process requirements.