Wrist & hand Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to issues related to service connection for back and left wrist disabilities.

The Veteran's left wrist disability was rated at 0 percent prior to June 27, 2006 and increased to 10 percent since then. The appeal is denied as the current rating does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right wrist disability did not originate during his period of active military service and is therefore denied. The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for a scar as the residual of a hematoma of the thigh was also denied.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of medical expenses incurred at Sacred Heart Hospital on January 3, 2005 is granted as the services were provided in an emergency and no VA facilities were feasibly available.

The Board denied service connection for cervical nerve damage with decreased strength of both arms, right hip disability, left hip disability, tinea pedis and onychomycosis of both feet, and bilateral CTS disabilities. The Veteran's claims were reopened but the Board found no evidence to support these conditions as being related to his active service.

The Veteran's right and left knee disabilities, as well as his right and left wrist disabilities, were not incurred in service. The Board found that arthritis of the knees and wrists did not manifest within one year following separation from active duty.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right carpal tunnel syndrome, left carpal tunnel syndrome, a right leg disability, and residuals of a right big toe injury.

The Board found that the appellant did not have a qualifying period of service and therefore is not considered a veteran for purposes of these claims. The Board also determined that there was no evidence linking any claimed conditions to active duty or ACDUTRA.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a skin disorder, left wrist injury, and lung disorder with asthma and bronchitis have been denied. The lung disorder claim is pending as it relates to herbicide exposure in Vietnam.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his right wrist disability was denied. The RO reduced the rating from 20% to 10%, and this decision is upheld as supported by evidence in the record.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his right knee disability. Additionally, he needs an addendum from the examiner who evaluated his bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome in March 2007 regarding whether it was incurred in service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss is granted. The Board finds that the evidence does not establish the presence of a current disability, but acknowledges his in-service exposure to loud noises and grants service connection based on direct service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a spleen disability, left hand disability, left carpal tunnel syndrome, and DDD of the cervical spine. The evidence did not support these claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral arm, hand, elbow, and wrist disorder, including carpal tunnel syndrome and epicondylitis, is related to her active duty service. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran seeks service connection for residuals of a fracture of the left fourth toe and a left wrist disability, including tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome. The Board has remanded these claims due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteopenia have been evaluated based on their combined effect. The claims for higher initial ratings for various joints are denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating at any point during the appeal period.

The Board has granted service connection for a right shoulder disorder and found that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the claims of service connection for back and left wrist disorders. The Veteran's right shoulder disorder is deemed to be related to his active duty, while the back and left wrist disorders are considered to have developed due to pre-existing conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral wrist and ankle disabilities have been denied. Claims for bilateral hearing loss, hip disability, knee disability, and left shoulder impingement syndrome are pending.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right thumb, left ear hearing loss, and left wrist ganglion cyst are being remanded for additional development.

The Board has granted service connection for arthritis, claimed as swollen and painful joints to include the hands, wrists, elbows, neck, back, hips, and knees. The Veteran's joint pain during active duty is considered a sufficient basis for granting this claim.