by the veteran's representative, noting that the
neurological damage in the veteran's right hand was the
result of his service injury and that his whole hand as
opposed to just a finger was crushed. The undersigned
construes this to be a notice of disagreement to the
December l993 rating action denying service connection for
residuals of a crush injury to the right hand and carpal
tunnel syndrome. Jurisdiction of these issues will be taken
in view of the decision as discussed below. Moreover, it
was not made clear to the veteran in the February l994
letter that he had to file a specific notice of disagreement
if he took issue with the RO's decision regarding the denial
of service connection for arthritis of the shoulder. It is
conceivable that the veteran was under the impression that
this disability was part of thathe had already appealed.
Correspondence from the veteran to the Board confirmed that
he wished to appeal the issue of service connection for
arthritis of the shoulder, and he has also raised the
additional issues of service connection for arthritis of the
wrist and elbow. These issues have not been prepared for
appellate review but are inextricably intertwined with the
issue of the rating to be assigned the service connected
finger disability with arthritis. They will be addressed in
the Remand section of this decision, together with the
increased rating issue.
CONTENTIONS OF APPELLANT ON APPEAL
The veteran contends, in effect, that he suffered a crush
injury of the right hand during service. He seeks service
connection for the residuals of that injury which include
arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome of the right hand.
DECISION OF THE BOARD
The Board, in accordance with the provisions