Shoulder decisions — 2000

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for gastric ulcer disease and chronic organic disability of the hands, fingers, elbows, and shoulders (other than left ulnar styloid epiphysis) as not well grounded. The Board found that there was no current confirmed diagnosis of these conditions.

The Board found no competent medical evidence linking the veteran's current right shoulder and neck disabilities to service, thus denying his claims for service connection.

The Board denied an increased rating for degenerative disc disease of L4-L5 and granted a compensable evaluation (10%) for right shoulder compression syndrome.

The veteran's disabilities, when considered in combination, result in his inability to care for some of his daily personal needs without regular personal assistance from his spouse. The veteran is not shown to be substantial confined to his dwelling or immediate premises as a result of disabilities.

The Board found that there is no competent evidence to establish a connection between the appellant's current arthritis and his periods of service, thus denying all claims for service connection.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a right shoulder injury in November 1997, finding that the veteran's current condition was not related to his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a right shoulder disability, entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent for chondrosis of the right knee, and entitlement to a compensable rating for mechanical low back pain.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of shell fragment wounds to the face, skin disorder including epidermal cysts and lipoma due to Agent Orange exposure, left shoulder disability, back disability secondary to service connected residuals of shell fragment wounds to the left knee and upper leg, arthritis secondary to service connected residuals of shell fragment wounds to the left knee and upper leg, and residuals of a left hand injury. The Board also denied an increased rating for the residuals of a shell fragment wound to the left knee and upper leg.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for direct service connection and secondary service connection for arthritis of the cervical spine, lumbar spine, hips, and shoulders are not well grounded. The claim for increased rating on an extraschedular basis for residuals of a gunshot wound to Muscle Group VII of the left forearm is denied as it does not meet the criteria for such a rating. The veteran's claim for separate compensable rating for scars from his gunshot wound to the left forearm is granted.