since a crush injury in
service. The examiner indicated that an electromyogram and
nerve conduction studies performed in November 1991 revealed
right carpal tunnel syndrome with right medial and sensory
distal latencies prolonged. On sensory examination of the
right hand, there was diffuse sensory pinprick deficit from
the mid forearm down involving the entire hand including the
radial, ulnar and median distribution with no clear
dermatome or peripheral nerve distribution. The impression
was diffuse hand pain of the right hand secondary to a crush
injury with electromyogram and nerve conduction evidence
suggestive of carpal tunnel syndrome, severe without a clear
clinical identifiable and localizing peripheral neuropathy.
On subsequent VA neurological examination in July 1993, the
examiner concluded that the veteran had a right carpal
tunnel syndrome which was most likely related to a crush
injury in 1944.
On VA hand examination of July 1993, theveteran complained
of diffuse pain in the hand which the examiner indicated was
difficult by history to determine exactly where the
complaints were relating to. The physician indicated that
the veteran had evidence of an old fifth metacarpal
fracture, radiographically; and on physical examination, 30
degrees of dorsal apex angulation. There was minimal post-
traumatic arthritis at the proximal interphalangeal joint of
the little finger on radiographic examination. It was noted
that the minimal osteoarthritis could be related to the
veteran's prior trauma, although he had similar changes in
the ring, long and index fingers which were apparently
uninvolved with the accident.
In December 1992, the veteran testified that he suffered a
compound fracture of the little finger of the right hand in
October 1944 after a barrel crushed the entire hand. He
stated that he suffered from arthritis of the right hand.
He indicated