Citation Nr: 21063236 Decision Date: 10/13/21 Archive Date: 10/13/21 DOCKET NO. 17-17 008 DATE: October 13, 2021 ORDER A separate compensable rating for limitation of motion associated with a left wrist ganglion cyst excision scar is denied. A separate compensable rating for limitation of motion associated with a right wrist ganglion cyst excision scar is denied. FINDING OF FACT The Veteran has at least 50 degrees of dorsiflexion and 60 degrees of plantar flexion in her bilateral wrists. CONCLUSION OF LAW The criteria for separate compensable ratings for limitation of motion associated with left and right wrist scars have not been met. 38 U.S.C. §§ 1155, 5107; 38 C.F.R. §§ 4.1, 4.3, 4.7, 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5215. REASONS AND BASES FOR FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS The Veteran had active service in the U.S. Army from September 1999 to April 2006. This matter comes before the Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) on appeal from a July 2013 rating decision. It was previously remanded by the Board in October 2018 and March 2021. In March 2021, the Board denied ratings higher than 10 percent for the Veteran's left and right wrist ganglion scars, but remanded the issues of whether she was entitled to separate ratings based on limitation of motion associated with the scars. Increased Ratings A December 2020 VA examiner found that the Veteran had limitation of motion of her wrists associated with her service-connected left and right wrist ganglion cyst excision scars. Notably, he also stated that the Veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome was the etiology for most of her range of motion limitation. Nevertheless, the Board will consider whether the Veteran is entitled to a separate rating for limitation of motion of the wrist due to her scars. Each scar is rated at 10 percent under 38 C.F.R. § 4.118, DC 7899-7804. She is also service-connected for left and right carpal tunnel syndrome, rated at 30 percent and 20 percent, respectively, under 38 C.F.R. § 4.124a, DC 8515. These ratings, for the scars and carpal tunnel syndrome, already contemplate the presence of pain. In addition, she is not service-connected for a disability specific to the wrists themselves. Therefore, pain will not be considered in determining whether she has a compensable level of limited motion in the wrists. Under 38 C.F.R. § 4.71a, DC 5215, a single 10 percent rating is assigned when dorsiflexion of the wrist is less than 15 degrees, or when palmar flexion is limited in line with the forearm (i.e., 0 degrees). Normal wrist range of motion is 70 degrees of dorsiflexion and 80 degrees of plantar flexion. 38 C.F.R. § 4.71a, Plate I. At worst, the December 2020 VA examination noted 50 degrees of dorsiflexion and 60 degrees of palmar flexion in the left wrist. The right wrist demonstrated 55 degrees of dorsiflexion and 65 degrees of palmar flexion. These findings show less than normal range of motion, but do not satisfy the criteria listed in DC 5215. In addition, an August 2021 VA examiner stated that the Veteran did not have any restricted or limitation of motion associated with her wrist scars, noting that they were tender but well-healed. The Board has considered the Veteran's statements in support of her claim and acknowledges her report of pain. However, as discussed above, pain is already contemplated by her currently assigned ratings. The present issue is whether she has a compensable level of limitation of motion in her wrists. Based on the evidence above, this has not been shown and therefore separate ratings are not warranted. JOHN Z. JONES Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans' Appeals Attorney for the Board Shamil Patel, Counsel The Board's decision in this case is binding only with respect to the instant matter decided. This decision is not precedential and does not establish VA policies or interpretations of general applicability. 38 C.F.R. § 20.1303.