Wrist & hand Board decisions

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for multiple conditions, including degenerative disc disease of the hips, residuals of a left clavicle injury, and a right wrist disorder. The appeals were reopened on new evidence but ultimately denied.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and remanded the issues of increased ratings for sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and migraine headaches.

The Board has determined that the veteran's fibromyalgia is related to his service-connected disabilities, specifically bilateral knee and right ankle conditions. The left ankle disorder and right wrist disorder are also found to be secondary to these service-connected conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for a left wrist disability, finding that new and material evidence had not been presented.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected gunshot wound to the right forearm did not warrant an evaluation in excess of 30 percent. The claim for carpal tunnel syndrome was referred due to its nonservice-connected nature.

The RO denied the veteran's claims of service connection for various disabilities, including a left wrist disability, left arm disability (claimed as left tennis elbow), back disability, sub-deltoid bursitis of the left shoulder, and right ankle disability. The RO also granted service connection for degenerative joint disease of both knees with a 10 percent rating.

The February 10, 1972 rating decision denying the veteran's TDIU claim was not clearly and unmistakably erroneous. The appellant is not entitled to DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 as she did not meet the requirements for such benefits.

The VA has determined that the veteran's service-connected skin disorder of the feet and right wrist does not warrant a rating in excess of zero percent.

The Board denied increased ratings for residuals of gunshot wounds to the veteran's hands, finding that the current evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for right common peroneal nerve paresis, and increased ratings for right wrist fracture residuals with arthritic changes and left elbow fracture residuals with arthritic changes.

The Board has determined that the veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) of the right wrist is related to repetitive motion activities performed in service and granted entitlement to service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for peptic ulcer disease, hypertension, chronic prostate disorder, gout, chronic left wrist disorder, and chronic chest disorder as the result of Agent Orange exposure. The acquired eye disorder is not considered a compensable disability.

The veteran's claims for service connection for a left heel disability other than plantar fasciitis and right carpal tunnel syndrome were denied. The claim for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for right plantar fasciitis, status post release, with heel spurs was also denied.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities alone are not sufficient to produce unemployability. The Board has ordered a VA examination to determine the effect of his service-connected anxiety reaction on his ability to work.

The Board has granted a higher rating of 30 percent for ankylosis of the left wrist and a separate compensable rating of 20 percent for peripheral neuropathy of the left hand.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hip disorders. The RO previously granted service connection for hemorrhoids but assigned a noncompensable rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for his gunshot wound to the right wrist and shell fragment wound to the right chest are denied as there is no evidence of muscle injury other than to the muscles of the hand, and the impairment of the median nerve does not warrant a higher rating.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the veteran's claims for service connection of various conditions. The case is being remanded for further development.

The veteran's service-connected right hand disorder is manifested by functional impairment analogous to loss of use of that hand, and he has demonstrated loss of use of the left hand. The criteria for additional compensation under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1160 are met.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome as secondary to the veteran's already service-connected hypothyroidism.