Shoulder decisions — 2000

The Board found that the veteran's claims for service connection were not well-grounded, as there was no diagnosed right shoulder or right eye disability and insufficient medical evidence linking current heart palpitations to service. The claim for right testicular pain was considered based on a history of post-service complications from a 1994 vasectomy.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected post-operative residuals of a left shoulder dislocation, finding that the evidence did not support the requested higher ratings.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension on account of needing aid and attendance or being housebound was denied as he does not meet the criteria for either condition based on his multiple disabilities.

The Board denied all claims, finding that the veteran's claims were not well grounded and thus did not meet the initial burden of establishing a plausible claim for service connection.

The veteran's right shoulder disability was previously rated as a major extremity, but this rating is now corrected to reflect that the right shoulder should be evaluated as a minor extremity. The claim for restoration of a 30 percent evaluation has been granted.

The Board found that the veteran's claims for service connection for shoulder and left knee disabilities are not well grounded. The evidence did not show a link between his current conditions and his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left shoulder condition is related to his service-connected right and left knee disabilities, thus granting the claim for secondary service connection.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for the cause of death, dependency and indemnity compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318, and eligibility for dependents' educational assistance under 38 U.S.C.A. Chapter 35 due to a lack of evidence linking his death to any service-connected disability.

The Board has reopened the claims of service connection for a left ankle disorder and a left shoulder disorder, but denied the remaining claims due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board denied an increased rating for the veteran's right shoulder condition, but granted a temporary total evaluation based on convalescence due to surgery. The case is remanded for further action regarding the temporary total evaluation.

The Board denied service connection for adhesive capsulitis of the right shoulder but granted a rating of 70 percent for PTSD, effective from April 1, 1998. The veteran's PTSD is characterized by occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas including work, family relations, and mood.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a left shoulder disability as secondary to his service-connected right shoulder disability due to lack of medical evidence linking the two conditions.

The Board is remanding the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA orthopedic examination to determine the extent of residuals from shell fragment wounds of the right shoulder and thoracic area. The RO must also consider the application of regulations in effect prior to and subsequent to July 3, 1997.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome and a rating in excess of 10 percent for bursitis of the right shoulder are not well grounded. The claim for service connection is denied as there is no evidence to support a nexus between current CTS and symptoms noted during service, which were diagnosed as ulnar neuropathy. The claim for increased rating for bursitis is also denied as the veteran's range of motion does not meet the criteria for higher ratings.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right hip and right shoulder disabilities do not warrant increased ratings under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The VA denied an increased rating for the veteran's left shoulder disability, which is currently rated at 10 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection due to lack of evidence linking his current conditions to military service, and also denied a higher evaluation for his nasal septum disability. The issue of reopening the claim for rheumatoid arthritis was granted.

The Board found that the claim of service connection for left shoulder tendonitis is well grounded, but denied the claim for residuals of left clavicle fracture due to lack of evidence linking it to active service. The claim for residuals of left clavicle fracture was not well-grounded.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of injuries to the left shoulder, low back, hips, and knees, including arthritis.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities have been evaluated based on the criteria provided. The RO has denied increased evaluations for several of his conditions, including those related to shell fragment wounds and thoracotomy scars.