Wrist & hand Board decisions

The Veteran's left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome is currently rated at 10%.,Prior to February 12, 2010, the Veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome was rated at 10%. As of February 12, 2010, his right wrist and left wrist carpal tunnel syndromes are each rated at 30%.

The case is being remanded to the Board for further consideration at the RO level due to a change in the hearing officer.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis of the left elbow and arthritis of the left wrist, as new and material evidence has been submitted. The VA will provide further examination to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left elbow disorder and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, finding that there is no evidence of such conditions in service or at separation.

The Veteran's right hand fracture and associated wrist disorder are not shown to be causally or etiologically related to any disease, injury, or incident in service. The Board finds that the Veteran did not sustain a fracture during active duty as he reported, and there is no evidence of arthritis within one year post-service.

The Board found no evidence of a left knee disorder or right wrist disorder that was present during service, and denied the Veteran's claims for service connection.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a diagnosed jaw disability or any other service-connected condition. The initial ratings for hypertension, GERD with hiatal hernia, tinea pedis of the bilateral feet, and right wrist CTS are denied as there is no current evidence of these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for clarification regarding his ability to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation based on his service-connected disabilities, including his dyslexia and lack of computer literacy.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and records review. The issues include service connection for a left wrist disorder, right medial nerve neuralgia evaluation, and bilateral hearing loss.

The Board denied an increased rating for right carpal tunnel syndrome and hypertension, finding that the Veteran's symptoms did not warrant a higher disability rating based on the severity of her condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating for his left ankle fracture are denied. The Board found that the right wrist condition did not manifest in service or be related to a service-connected disability, while the left ankle condition resulted in painful motion but no ankylosis.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's current bilateral wrist disability is related to his service, including the claimed trauma from loading weapons during active duty.

The Board has determined that the effective dates for the grants of service connection and special monthly compensation are November 13, 2006, based on the date of receipt of the initial claims.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates have been granted. The right wrist fracture residuals are rated at 10 percent, the right ankle injury with traumatic arthritis is rated at 30 percent, service connection for a lumbar spine disability was established on January 8, 2008, the 30% rating for the right ankle injury was effective December 18, 2006, and TDIU became effective January 8, 2008.

The Board has granted service connection for a variety of musculoskeletal and respiratory conditions, including shortness of breath, shoulder disorder, elbow pain, knee disorders, ankle disorders, and neck disorder. The Veteran's claims are supported by his reported symptoms in service and subsequent diagnoses.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for a VA examination. The claims will be reviewed again based on the new evidence.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral knee disorder, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, and sacroiliac disorder. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings and effective dates have been granted, with the effective date set at August 24, 2005.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for residuals of a left wrist injury was granted, with the effective date being April 29, 2010. The Veteran also had his claims for service connection for low back disability and right foot or ankle disability as well as tinnitus denied.

The Board has granted the reopening of the claim for service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome of the left wrist, but remains uncertain about the status of the TDIU issue.