Wrist & hand Board decisions

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his service-connected left wrist disability was denied by the RO. The current rating is 10 percent.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found no new and material evidence to reopen the claim for psychiatric disability, denied service connection for residuals of a right ankle injury, denied increased ratings for traumatic arthritis of the cervical spine and bronchitis, and denied an increased rating for residuals of a fracture of the right wrist.

The Board denied increased ratings for the service-connected residuals of a sprain to the right ring finger, right carpal tunnel syndrome, postoperative, and traumatic arthritis of the right wrist.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of service connection for right carpal tunnel syndrome and a low back disorder due to lack of competent medical evidence linking these conditions to her period of active service.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating of his service-connected right wrist fracture is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and consideration under a different diagnostic code.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for increased ratings and service connection issues due to lack of timely filed substantive appeals. The claim for service connection for headaches is not well grounded.

The Board found no competent medical evidence linking the veteran's current conditions to the June 1993 VA surgery or anesthesia. The veteran's claims for service connection were denied as his conditions did not manifest during service and there was insufficient evidence of a nexus between his current disabilities and the in-service events.

The Board has granted the veteran's request for waiver of recovery of an overpayment of Vocational Rehabilitation Subsistence Allowance in the amount of $312.32, finding that recovery would be against the principles of equity and good conscience.

The Board finds that the veteran's left wrist disability was incurred during active service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a temporary total evaluation from December 12, 1996 to January 2, 1997 due to lack of immobilization by cast.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a well-grounded claim for service connection of residuals of a left wrist injury, as there is no medical evidence showing current disability related to an in-service injury.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for gunshot wounds to the right foot, left wrist, and burns to the right leg are not well grounded. The evidence does not establish a nexus between these conditions and his period of active duty service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome and Dupuytren's contracture, claimed as secondary to his service-connected right forearm disorder, are not well grounded. The claim for an increased rating of the right forearm disorder is granted based on current symptoms.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome of the left wrist and a higher initial rating for thoracic outlet syndrome.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected post-operative residuals of a fractured left wrist is being remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the current severity and manifestations of his disability.

The veteran's claims of service connection for various injuries and disabilities were denied due to his failure to report for scheduled VA examinations without good cause.

The veteran's claim for increased ratings for his left wrist disability is denied. The current rating of 20 percent is maintained, and a higher rating in excess of 10 percent prior to March 1, 1996, is not granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for disabilities of the knees, elbows, wrists, and left shoulder are not well-grounded.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and for increased disability ratings for his migraine headaches and joint space narrowing at L5-S1. The veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service, and the initial disability ratings assigned were found to be appropriate.

The Board has granted a 30 percent evaluation for asthma, to include sleep apnea, effective from May 22, 1997. The other issues remain unresolved.