Question: Hello. During my 22 years in the military in 1978 I had a very heavy tent pole fall on my right shoulder. It fractured my right index finger (1st) and tore a tendon in my shoulder. Over the years my right shoulder has become more of a problem >Dx: Mild rt shoulder AC osteoarthritis, supraspinous tendon tear (May 2015). This was documented in my medical record. Over the years I have had pains in my left wrist. Thought I was getting carpal tunnel. But in the past 5 years swelling began in the wrist and the truth be know > Chronic appearing left scapholunate dissociation, with early SLAC deformity. Osteophyte of radiocarpal joint and first CMC & STT joints. I filed a VA disability claim. VA recognized a disability for rt. shoulder and rt. index finger. Even though I have told them that my left wrist injury occurred at the same time my finger was fractured and rt. shoulder tendon tear by catching the heavy pole with my left hand and over the years it is like it is now.. VA says that it is less than 50% likely that an injury occurred then. So my claim was denied. Before I return to see the orthopedic doctor in October, I would like to know if a small injury 35 yrs ago to my left wrist could result with the problems I have now.. I know that the tendon tear in my right shoulder was not dx until a MRI was done 10 years later.
Thank you. XXXXXXX

Thank you Dr. Tayal for responding to my question. I hope you are able to open up and read the attachment of the x-ray report on my left wrist. Since you are an Orthopedic Hand Surgeon your professional opinion is very important to me. Based on my x-ray report, could a heavy blunt injury 35 yrs. bring these results?
Thanks

Thank you Dr. Tayal,
You have been most helpful..
I continue to have discomfort in my left wrist. But I will work with that
in the years to come.. Will not be happy to have surgery unless needed.
PS: I am a retired family practice physician. 22 years in the
army military and another 2 years in civil service.. When I retired from the medical healthcare and I became
data computer analysis tasked with checking on the productivity and healthcare activities of other health care providers for the Commander at XXXXXXX XXXXXXX Army Medical Center, Ft. Bliss, El Paso, TX for the next 14 years.. Great job for me. Finally retired in April 2014.. Enjoying life with my wife, granddaughter and 14 y/o dog, XXXXXXX
Thank you again.
Best wishes.. XXXXXXX
PS: I have been fighting with the VA over my left wrist for 2 years.. That incident happen when that 30 lb tent pole fell on me.. But no documentation no help from them for my wrist. Sad... How many docs would pull out a SF-600 and document? I have other issues but no documentation. I was busy keeping the other soldiers up and going to perform their duties..