Wrist & hand Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected right wrist laceration residuals are not entitled to a compensable evaluation, as the disability does not result in any functional impairment or symptoms that would warrant such a rating.

The Board has determined that the September 2011 VA examination report is inadequate to adjudicate the claims for service connection of bilateral wrist disabilities. The Veteran's claims are being remanded for further development, including obtaining an etiological opinion from a QTC examiner regarding whether her bilateral wrist disabilities were caused by her service.

The Veteran's initial ratings for right wrist tendonitis and right Achilles tendon rupture were denied as the evidence did not support higher evaluations.

The Board has found new and material evidence to reopen the claim of service connection for residuals of a left wrist injury, which was previously denied in March 1984. The Veteran now has medical evidence showing he currently suffers from left wrist carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Veteran's left wrist disability, which includes degenerative joint disease, ganglion cyst, and DeQuervain's tenosynovitis, is currently rated as 10 percent disabling. The Board finds that the current rating adequately reflects the severity of her condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone render him unable to care for most of his daily personal needs or to protect himself from the hazards and dangers incident to his daily environment without the assistance of others, warranting special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as his service-connected conditions did not meet the criteria for increased ratings. The left foot disability, hypertension, right wrist and elbow disabilities were all found to be rated appropriately based on their current manifestations.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for the claims of service connection for tinnitus, sprained fingers, a left third finger fracture, cervical trauma, a left groin pull, a chipped bone, left elbow, a chipped bone, right elbow, a right hamstring disability (also claimed as thigh), a left hamstring disability (also claimed as thigh), right Achilles tendon trauma; lateral ligament injury, left wrist trauma, right wrist trauma, a right hand disability, to include carpal tunnel syndrome (claimed as nerve problem and trauma), depression, chronic pain syndrome, left Achilles tendon trauma, a left hand disability, to include carpal tunnel syndrome (claimed as nerve problem and trauma), and status post right great toe fracture.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations to assess the severity of her service-connected linear scleroderma of the scalp and the nature and etiology of her left wrist disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have not been sufficient by themselves to preclude all forms of substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and occupational background. The Board finds that the criteria for a TDIU, including on an extra-schedular basis, are not met.

The Veteran's left wrist injury, currently manifested by pain and favorable ankylosis in 20 degrees dorsiflexion, meets the criteria for a 20 percent disability rating under DC 5214. He is not entitled to higher ratings based on other diagnostic codes or additional conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected wrist disabilities have been denied as the evidence does not show that any of these conditions warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent.,The Veteran has mild ulnar nerve neuropathy associated with his right wrist disability, but this condition is not severe enough to warrant an initial separate rating.

The Board denied service connection for various hand, wrist, and shoulder disabilities, as well as a right big toe disability. The Veteran's claims were not supported by the evidence of record.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his representative, and the issues have therefore been dismissed.

The Veteran does not currently have peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities other than carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Board has remanded the case for a supplemental medical opinion to address the etiology of the Veteran's right wrist/hand disability, including his degenerative joint disease. The claim is currently pending and will be further developed.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with insomnia and alcoholism has been rated at 50% since May 7, 2011. The Board finds that the criteria for a 70% rating have been met effective August 22, 2006.

For the entire initial rating period under appeal, the criteria for an initial (compensable) rating higher for right carpal tunnel syndrome have not been met.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current cervical spine disability, including cervical spinal pain and strain and degenerative disease, had its onset during her active military service.

The Board denied service connection for lumbar spine disability, right shoulder arthritis, elbows arthritis, and right wrist arthritis as these conditions are not related to active duty or service-connected disabilities.