Wrist & hand Board decisions

The Board denied the appellant's claims for increased disability ratings for his service-connected postoperative scars and DeQuervain's tendon synovitis of both wrists, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating under either the old or new VA rating criteria.

The veteran's right carpal tunnel syndrome was granted a 30 percent evaluation effective July 18, 2005. The left carpal tunnel syndrome remains at a 20 percent evaluation.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for the residuals of a left wrist injury, finding that there is no evidence to support a current disability related to his in-service fall.

The Board found no current medical evidence of a left knee disorder or bilateral wrist disorder. The veteran's claims for service connection were denied.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The veteran's service-connected postoperative residuals of trauma to the right ring finger are currently rated at 10 percent, and he is seeking a higher rating. The VA has determined that his condition does not warrant an increase beyond this level.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected carpal tunnel syndrome of both upper extremities and left ankle disability, finding that the evidence did not show symptoms consistent with more than moderate incomplete paralysis.

The veteran's left hand disability, including a fracture of the first metacarpal with traumatic arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome, has resulted in extremely limited function such that he would be equally well-served by an amputation below the elbow with use of a suitable prosthetic appliance. The RO granted a 60 percent evaluation for this condition.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied in June 1984, but new and material evidence was submitted to reopen the claims. The claim for a left wrist chip fracture is granted with a 10% rating.

The veteran's claim for service connection for right hand carpal tunnel syndrome was dismissed because he failed to report for a scheduled VA examination without providing good cause.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have a current bilateral hand and wrist disorder, a current disorder manifested by left rib pain, or residual scarring secondary to an infected epidermal occlusion cyst of the left axilla and surgery on the left upper back for excision of an epidermal occlusion cyst. Therefore, service connection is denied for these conditions.

The veteran's service-connected hypothyroidism has been granted an increased rating of 60 percent, effective from the date of the July 2001 RO decision.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current carpal tunnel syndrome of the right hand and arm is related to her military service, specifically her duties as an airplane mechanic.

The Board has granted service connection for osteoarthritis of multiple joints, including the cervical spine, lumbar spine, shoulders, wrists, hands, and knees. The decision is based on a finding that these conditions are likely related to injuries sustained during military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased disability evaluations for his service-connected bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and knee disabilities, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for specially adapted housing and a special home adaptation grant due to lack of statutory eligibility, as he is not statutorily eligible for these benefits.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected postoperative residuals of fusion of the right wrist, as he does not have loss of use of his hand.

The veteran's left hand and wrist condition is not considered to be due to VA medical treatment, thus the claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 has been denied.

The veteran's claims are being remanded due to his request for a videoconference hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, sinusitis, eye disorder (astigmatism and presbyopia), CTS of the left wrist, CTS of the right wrist, and gum disease are all denied as there is no evidence to support these conditions.