Carpal tunnel syndrome - Acromegaly Factor
Acromegaly is defined by the RMA as "a chronic disease of adults resulting from hypersecretion of growth hormone after closure of the epiphyses”. The condition is characterised by enlargement of many parts of the skeleton especially the distal portions, the nose, ears, jaws, fingers and toes.
Signs and symptoms
· Soft tissue and bone enlargement
· Fatigue, increased sweating, heat intolerance and weight gain
· Coarsening facial features, oily skin, increased skin tags, voice change, increased tongue size and malocclusion
Establishing onset
Diagnosis can be made from the characteristic clinical findings. X-rays of the skull and hands show enlargement and thickening. Plasma GH (growth hormone) levels are typically elevated in acromegaly. Medical records would usually contain reference to the onset of relevant symptoms or signs of the disease. Therefore, if there is a history of acromegaly dating from a particular time and relevant medical notes cannot be obtained, you should seek medical advice to decide whether the claimed symptoms and treatment can be attributed to acromegaly or to some other condition.
LAST REVIEWED FOR CCPS 21 FEBRUARY 2014.
PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS [17101]
17515 there is some evidence that acromegaly may be a factor in the development or worsening of the condition under consideration.
10714 the veteran has had acromegaly at some time.
17338 the veteran has established the causal connection between acromegaly and VEA service for carpal tunnel syndrome.
17345 the veteran suffered from acromegaly before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
17339 the veteran has established the causal connection between acromegaly and VEA service for the clinical onset of carpal tunnel syndrome.
17341 the veteran has established the causal connection between acromegaly and operational service for the clinical onset of carpal tunnel syndrome.
or
17342 the veteran has established the causal connection between acromegaly and eligible service for the clinical onset of carpal tunnel syndrome.
or
7334 the clinical onset of the condition under consideration occurred after the end of the veteran's last period of VEA service.
7335 the condition under consideration permanently worsened.
17346 the veteran suffered from acromegaly before the clinical worsening of the condition under consideration.
17340 the veteran has established the causal connection between acromegaly and VEA service for the clinical worsening of carpal tunnel syndrome.
17343 the veteran has established the causal connection between acromegaly and operational service for the clinical worsening of carpal tunnel syndrome.
or
17344 the veteran has established the causal connection between acromegaly and eligible service for the clinical worsening of carpal tunnel syndrome.
CLINICAL ONSET AND OPERATIONAL SERVICE [17341]
10725 the acromegaly is causally related to operational service.
CLINICAL ONSET AND ELIGIBLE SERVICE [17342]
10726 the acromegaly is causally related to eligible service.
CLINICAL WORSENING AND OPERATIONAL SERVICE [17343]
10725 the acromegaly is causally related to operational service.
17347 the clinical onset of the condition under consideration occurred prior to that part of operational service to which acromegaly is causally related.
CLINICAL WORSENING AND ELIGIBLE SERVICE [17344]
10726 the acromegaly is causally related to eligible service.
17348 the clinical onset of the condition under consideration occurred prior to that part of eligible service to which acromegaly is causally related.