Wrist & hand Board decisions

The Veteran's left wrist condition is currently evaluated as 10 percent disabling due to noncompensable limitation of motion and x-ray evidence of arthritis, but no incapacitating exacerbations.,The Veteran's neurological residuals are currently evaluated as 10 percent disabling based on numbness, sensitivity to weather, and a positive Tinel's sign at the wrist.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder, right knee, left elbow disabilities and an acquired psychiatric disorder (other than dysthymic disorder with anxiety) to include PTSD and depression have been granted. The Veteran withdrew his appeals on the issues of carpal tunnel syndrome of the left wrist and irritable bowel syndrome to include as being due to chemical exposure prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee disability and right wrist cyst have been granted with appropriate ratings.

The Board has determined that the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for a right wrist disability. The appellant's current right wrist condition is attributed to post-service events, and there is no credible evidence linking his current right wrist disability to his military service.

The Veteran's tinea pedis and onychomycosis were granted service connection as they are related to his service. The right knee disorder is also granted service connection, but secondary to his already service-connected left knee disability. Service connection for the muscle condition in the left leg was denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, a skin disability other than pseudofolliculitis barbae, headaches, left wrist and foot disabilities, tinnitus, lung disability, and left hand disability. The decision also addressed issues related to initial compensable ratings for hallux valgus of the feet and sinusitis.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's claimed disabilities, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his current conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings has been withdrawn, and the claims for cervical intervertebral disc syndrome, lumbar degenerative disc disease, right shoulder degenerative joint disease, left upper extremity radiculopathy with cubital tunnel syndrome, residuals of partial medial meniscectomy, residual spurring from ankle injury, headaches associated with discectomy and fusion, and scar have all been denied.

The Veteran's appeal for a TDIU is being remanded due to the need for an updated opinion from a VA physician regarding his service-connected disabilities and their impact on employment.

The Veteran's left wrist ganglion cyst disability was characterized by pain and limitation of motion, but not deep or unstable. The Board granted a 10% evaluation for the time period from January 1, 2003 to October 19, 2006.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of a right wrist fracture were granted with an initial 10 percent rating prior to November 8, 2005, and a 30 percent rating effective January 1, 2006. The appeal for higher initial ratings is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right wrist fracture with degenerative joint disease warrants a rating of 10 percent prior to March 23, 2010 and a rating of 50 percent from March 23, 2010.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including scheduling a videoconference hearing and obtaining VA outpatient records from prior to December 2007.

The Veteran's claimed conditions are not service-connected as they are either diagnosed after service or not related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, right knee, tendonitis of the right shoulder and wrist, hemorrhoids, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) from March 1, 2008 were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for service-connected diabetes mellitus and a TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including new VA examinations addressing the effects of his service-connected disabilities on his ability to work.

The Veteran's right carpal tunnel syndrome with right ulnar nerve entrapment is characterized by pain and numbness, resulting in moderate impairment. The Board has determined that a rating of 30 percent is warranted for this disability.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings have been denied. The left knee disability is not shown to warrant a higher rating, and the wrist laceration residuals are only painful.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, bilateral knee chondromalacia, and bilateral wrist disability are all rated at their maximum levels. The TDIU claim is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his claimed disabilities and military service or exposure to Agent Orange.