Shoulder decisions — 2000

The Board has granted a 20% evaluation for the veteran's service-connected dislocation of the right shoulder, finding that her symptoms most closely approximate recurrent dislocation at the scapulohumeral joint with infrequent episodes and guarding only at shoulder level.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance, finding that there was no clinical record prior to September 7, 1995, showing the criteria for aid and attendance benefits were met.

The Board has granted service connection for bursitis/enthesitis of the right shoulder, finding that it is related to a fall during service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for multiple joint pain, skin rash, and low back pain due to an undiagnosed illness are not well-grounded. The evidence does not support a finding of chronic disability related to these conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim of service connection for a left shoulder disability is well grounded. The RO should schedule an orthopedic examination to determine if there is a medical relationship between the current disability and service.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied as the evidence did not establish a link between his current conditions and his military service.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected right shoulder bursitis is being remanded to the RO for additional development, including obtaining VA and private medical records, scheduling a VA examination, and considering whether staged ratings are warranted.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected gunshot wound residuals are being remanded to the RO for further development, including additional examinations and consideration of all relevant evidence.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for left shoulder pain and temporary total disability ratings based on hospitalization and convalescence following foot surgery. The appeals were not well-grounded, as there was no medical evidence linking any current shoulder condition to military service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral pes planus and an increased rating for the veteran's right shoulder disability, finding that both conditions were aggravated by service.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound is denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for service connection for a left shoulder disability due to lack of competent medical evidence showing current disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right shoulder disability warrants a 30% rating, and his claim to reopen the left hip disability is well-grounded. However, there are no new or material evidence submitted since the last denial in March 1992.

The veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his left shoulder disability is being remanded due to the need for additional medical evidence and a new examination.

The VA denied an increased rating for the veteran's left total shoulder replacement (minor) disability, currently rated at 50 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to evaluate the veteran's right shoulder disorder and determine if an earlier effective date is warranted.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral shoulder disorder and left heel disorder, but finds that these claims are not well grounded.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities have been rated at the maximum available under current rating criteria, and no further increase in evaluation is warranted.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including skin disease on the back, scalp, and shoulders; sleep disorder, nervous condition, and depression; acute abdominal pain; prostate disorder; and numbness of arms and fingers. The claims were not well-grounded due to lack of medical evidence linking these conditions to service or a service-connected disability.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection due to arthritis, left inguinal hernia, and right inguinal hernia. The decision also noted that the veteran had raised a claim for multiple joint arthralgia but referred it to the RO for initial consideration.