Shoulder decisions — 2001

The Board has determined that the veteran's right shoulder disability warrants a 40 percent evaluation effective from June 3, 1996. The evidence shows significant pain and motion limitations with diminished strength, speed, coordination, and endurance.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right shoulder impingement syndrome and residuals of thoracic strain, finding that a rating higher than 10 percent is not available under the criteria.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right shoulder disorder, including degenerative joint disease, is not service-connected due to lack of evidence linking it to his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for left knee and right shoulder disorders, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen his previously denied claims.

The veteran died of a ruptured abdominal aneurysm. The Board found that the cause of death was not service-connected and denied DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for left shoulder subluxation with glenoid labrum tear is denied due to failure to report, without good cause, for a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran required convalescence beyond January 31, 1994, and granted an extension of his temporary total disability rating.

The veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain with traumatic arthritis and bursitis of the left shoulder have been granted increased evaluations.

The RO reduced the veteran's rating for his postoperative right shoulder replacement from 100 percent to 60 percent, effective March 1, 1999. The RO also denied entitlement to a TDIU rating.

The veteran's service-connected right shoulder disability was increased to a 10 percent rating effective July 7, 2000.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection due to lack of well-grounded evidence, and no clear and unmistakable error was found in their decision.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claims of service connection for residuals of back, neck, shoulder, and head injuries. However, it was found that these conditions were not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board has granted a 40 percent evaluation for recurrent right shoulder dislocation beginning October 30, 1997.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected anxiety reaction contributed to his death from heart failure.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a right shoulder injury, low back injury, and right ankle injury. The claim for higher rating for residuals of a left wrist injury is also denied.

The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for the veteran's right shoulder disability from February 3, 1994 to April 10, 1996 due to recurrent dislocation and limitation of motion. Since June 1, 1996, when surgery was performed, the veteran is rated at 40 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right shoulder disability warrants an increased rating to 40 percent, effective December 10, 1996.

The Board denied the reopening of the claim for service connection for residuals of a left shoulder injury due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral leg and left shoulder disorders are not related to his military service, and his bilateral knee disorder is due to congenital conditions. The claims for these conditions have been denied.

The VA granted a 20 percent evaluation for the veteran's left shoulder disability, which is currently rated as 40 percent disabling due to recurrent dislocation. The new rating reflects the current functional impairment of the joint.