Shoulder decisions — 2000

The veteran seeks an increased rating for his left shoulder disability, which is currently rated at 20 percent. The case has been remanded due to the need to consider newly submitted evidence and a VA examination.

The Board found no evidence that the veteran's leg ulcer or arm weakness were caused by VA medical care, and thus denied both claims under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a right shoulder disability has been reopened. The claim for service connection for sarcoidosis is not well grounded, as there is no competent evidence linking the current diagnosis to his military service. His PTSD and back disabilities are currently rated at their maximum levels.

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The Board denied the veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for a total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities and her Substantive Appeal. The veteran was granted a 70% disability rating for major depression, but not before November 21, 1996.

The Board found that the veteran does not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person due to his physical limitations, but independence in daily living activities.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his left shoulder disability prior to August 17, 1998 and for an increased rating to 20 percent since that date.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a right shoulder blade injury, low back injury, and left knee injury are not well grounded.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected left shoulder disorder warrants a 20 percent evaluation, effective from the date of the claim.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, vertigo, arm and shoulder pain, and vision loss are not well-grounded. The evidence does not establish a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has determined that the appellant's right shoulder strain, which began during her active duty for training, is service-connected.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral pes planus, right shoulder impingement syndrome, and increased ratings for benign prostatic hypertrophy and tinea cruris. The effective date is not specified as the decision was made in March 1998.

The veteran's right shoulder disability, which includes recurrent dislocation, is currently rated at 20 percent. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating and denied the claim for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent.

The Board found that the veteran's claims for service connection were not well grounded, as there was no evidence of current disabilities or a link between his claimed conditions and military service.

The VA determined that the veteran's right shoulder disability, with a retained foreign body and injury to Muscle Group III, does not warrant an evaluation in excess of the current 20 percent rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for a jaw disability and left shoulder disability are not well grounded. The effective date of the initial rating for his left knee disability remains June 8, 1995.

The Board has granted a 20 percent evaluation for the veteran's delayed union of the left clavicle with deformity, subluxation and pseudoarthrosis/arthritis. The issue of service connection for subluxation of the left shoulder was also resolved in favor of the veteran.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for further development of his claims, including obtaining medical opinions and records. The case will be returned to the Board for final appellate review.

The Board has determined that the claim for service connection for a left shoulder disability as secondary to a service-connected left elbow disability is not well grounded, and thus denied.

The Board denied a higher disability rating for the veteran's left shoulder disability, finding that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 10 percent.