Wrist & hand Board decisions

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome of the left hand and has restored a 30 percent evaluation for his postoperative left shoulder disability.

The Board has granted a 10 percent evaluation for residuals of the left wrist fracture (minor) and denied restoration of that rating.

The Board found that the veteran's left wrist scar is painful and tender on examination, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating than 10 percent under the applicable VA rating schedule. The issue of assigning separate compensable ratings based on limitation of function such as limitation of motion was also addressed.

The veteran's claim for an extension of a temporary total rating based on convalescence due to right carpal tunnel syndrome is denied as there is no medical evidence demonstrating severe post-operative residuals beyond October 31, 1995.

The Board found that the veteran's claims of service connection for right knee arthritis and right wrist arthritis are not well-grounded. The evidence did not establish a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right fifth finger disarticulation and right carpal tunnel syndrome, finding that the evidence did not support higher ratings under VA rating criteria.

The Board denied the claim of service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, finding that there was no evidence linking any service-connected disability to his death.

The Board found that the veteran's claims for service connection were not well-grounded and denied them.

The Board denied the veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for residuals of a left wrist injury, finding that the additional evidence did not establish a chronic disability related to the in-service injury.

The Board has granted a 20 percent evaluation for the appellant's left wrist disability and denied any increase in rating for his right ring finger disability.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD due to lack of credible evidence linking the veteran's current symptoms to in-service stressors. Service connection was granted for a right wrist disability, but with a non-compensable evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for right carpal tunnel syndrome but denied the claim of left carpal tunnel syndrome due to lack of a current disability diagnosis.

The veteran's left wrist fracture residuals are currently evaluated as 10 percent disabling. The Board found that the evidence does not show favorable ankylosis in 20 to 30 degrees of dorsiflexion, which would justify a higher evaluation.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the veteran's pre-existing left wrist disability, diagnosed as reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), was aggravated by service. The condition existed prior to her period of active duty and increased in severity during service.

The veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 is granted due to the plausible nature of his case, and further development is needed to determine if he qualifies for benefits.

The Board has granted service connection for scars of the right wrist and assigned a 10 percent evaluation. However, the veteran is seeking an increased rating.

The Board has denied an increased rating for the veteran's service-connected status post tendon repair with nerve injury, left wrist. The current 40 percent evaluation is appropriate given the severity of the veteran's symptoms and functional impairment.

The veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The Board cannot proceed with the merits of the claim as he is no longer alive.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a chronic low back disorder, granted an increased rating of 20 percent for chronic prostatitis, and denied his other claims. The appeal is not about service connection at all.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of service connection for residuals of cutting his left wrist, finding that there was no evidence to support a current disability related to the inservice laceration. The issue of special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status due to PTSD is remanded.