Wrist & hand Board decisions

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected residuals of navicular bone fracture, left wrist with degenerative joint disease, finding that the evidence did not warrant a higher evaluation.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome, finding that there is no competent medical evidence linking the condition to his period of active service.

The Board has determined that the claims for service connection for tinnitus and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome are not well grounded, and thus denied.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound is denied as she does not meet the criteria for either condition.

The Board determined that the preponderance of the evidence did not support an increase in the original evaluations assigned for the veteran's service-connected disabilities, including hypothyroidism, low back, migraine headache, right knee, left knee, left shoulder, and left wrist disabilities. The RO had initially assigned zero percent (noncompensable) evaluations, which were later changed to 10 percent.

The veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids and left wrist sprain have been granted compensable evaluations. Service connection for neck strain has also been established, but the other issues remain unresolved.

The veteran's claims for arthritis of multiple joints, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, and a sebaceous cyst on the left scrotum were denied as not well-grounded.,There is no medical evidence linking any current diagnoses to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection for a right wrist scar is well grounded. The VA duty to assist the veteran includes obtaining all relevant records, including reports of his recent treatment at the VA medical facility in Albany, New York.

The veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome of the right upper extremity is currently rated at 40 percent, and his claim for an increased rating has been denied as it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected right wrist disability, characterized by ankylosis in dorsiflexion of 15 degrees and radial deviation, does not warrant a rating higher than 40 percent.

The veteran's claim for tinnitus is well-grounded, and service connection has been granted.,The veteran's claims for carpal tunnel syndrome of the right wrist are well-grounded. Service connection was denied due to lack of clinical evidence.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn before the Board could make a decision.

The veteran's nicotine dependence and acquired psychiatric disorder (depression and anxiety) are found to be related to his service-connected coronary arteriosclerosis. His bronchitis is not currently shown, but he has been granted service connection for arthritis of the right index finger. The other claims have either been denied or require further development.

The Board found that the veteran's claim for service connection of bilateral varicose veins as secondary to his right knee disability was not well grounded. The claims for increased evaluations were denied as there was no evidence showing that the disabilities had worsened beyond what was contemplated by the current ratings.

The Board has granted a combined rating of 20 percent for the veteran's service-connected left wrist arthritis and left hand weakness and sensory disturbance, effective from the date of the decision.

The Board finds that the veteran sustained fractures of his right elbow and wrist during service, which resulted in current disabilities. Bilateral hearing loss is not considered a disability for VA purposes.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of a low back injury with degenerative disc disease and assigned a 10 percent evaluation. The claim for hypertension was not supported by the evidence, resulting in no rating being assigned.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been granted. The gastrointestinal disorder is considered due to an undiagnosed illness, while the right wrist fracture and left knee disability are related to exposure to asbestos, hydraulic fuel, jet fuel, and synthetic oils. No new rating has been assigned as the appeal was reopened based on new evidence.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for carpal tunnel syndrome of the right upper extremity is denied. The Board finds that her current disability level does not warrant a higher evaluation than the currently assigned 10 percent rating. For special monthly compensation by reason of need for regular aid and attendance, the evidence shows that the veteran requires assistance with daily activities due to her physical limitations and medical conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have chronic carpal tunnel syndrome and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.