Wrist & hand Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his claims, including obtaining medical records and providing VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right elbow and left wrist disabilities were denied as the evidence did not show that the conditions warranted higher disability ratings.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability was not rated higher than 10 percent from August 1, 2007 to October 22, 2008 and in excess of 20 percent from October 23, 2008.,The Veteran's left ankle disability was rated at 10 percent from August 1, 2007 to October 22, 2008 and increased to 20 percent from October 23, 2008. The rating decision did not specify the effective date.,The Veteran's right wrist disability was rated at 10 percent. No specific effective date is provided in the decision summary.,The Veteran's left ulnar nerve laceration was rated at 10 percent. No specific effective date is provided in the decision summary.

The Veteran's claim for pension benefits is denied as he does not meet the criteria for permanent and total disability due to his nonservice-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for skin cancer, claimed as due to exposure to herbicides, was denied. The claims for increased PTSD rating and for various scars were also denied.

The Veteran seeks compensation under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for a right wrist disability (discoloration of area around right wrist). The case is being remanded due to conflicting evidence regarding the cause of the discoloration.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of medical records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's carpal tunnel/ulnar neuropathy of both upper extremities is related to her military service, and thus service connection is granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's right and left carpal tunnel syndromes were not incurred in or aggravated by military service. The evidence did not show a nexus between any currently existing disabilities and his period of service.

The Board denied service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, and COPD as due to an undiagnosed illness during service. The Veteran's claims were not addressed in terms of presumptive service connection under the Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses presumption.

The Board has determined that a bilateral wrist disability other than carpal tunnel syndrome was not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran seeks service connection for his current left wrist disability, which he claims is due to a worsening of a pre-existing condition from military service. The case has been remanded to obtain updated VA treatment records and schedule the Veteran for a VA examination.

The Veteran does not have currently diagnosed residuals of a bilateral hand injury, and the Board finds that his current complaints are not consistent with carpal tunnel syndrome. Therefore, service connection for residuals of a bilateral hand injury is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's arthritis of the left hand and wrist is not related to service, including any exposure to cold or frostbite. The condition was diagnosed many years after service and there is no evidence linking it to service.

The Board has granted service connection for a tonsil disability, which represents a complete grant of the benefit sought on appeal. The Veteran's long-standing history of tonsillitis is presumed to have existed prior to her military service.

The Board has granted a 10 percent evaluation for the Veteran's residuals of left wrist fracture, effective from November 3, 2010. The previous rating was increased to reflect this change.

The Board is reopening the claim for service connection for a low back disability due to new and material evidence, but remanding it for further development. The claims for left shoulder/upper back disability and additional left wrist disability are also being remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for left carpal tunnel syndrome on a presumptive basis as the condition was first manifested within one year of the Veteran's retirement from service.