Shoulder decisions — 2001

The Board found that the veteran's current disability evaluation of 20 percent for his right shoulder condition adequately reflects the severity of his symptoms, as he does not have limitation of motion to a degree warranting an increased rating.

The veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis of the right knee, both shoulders, right hip, and thoracic spine are being remanded due to the need for additional development of medical evidence.

The Board has determined that the veteran's loss of use of his left hand does not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on loss of use of a hand, as he is still able to perform many functions using his left arm and hand.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a total rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disability prior to May 1, 1998.

The VA denied an increased rating for the veteran's left shoulder disability, which is currently rated at 20 percent. The evidence shows that the veteran has postoperative changes and mild atrophy in his left shoulder, but he retains functional use above the midway point from the side.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right shoulder disability, characterized as strain with arthritis, warrants a higher evaluation of 40 percent.

The veteran's appeal for service connection on all the listed issues was dismissed due to a failure to file a timely substantive appeal.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension and osteoarthritis of the left shoulder, left hand, and hips as these conditions were not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right shoulder and left shoulder disabilities, as well as his claim to reopen a previously denied neck disability. The evidence does not support a finding of new and material evidence for reopening the neck disability claim.

The Board has determined that the veteran sustained a right shoulder injury in service and currently has residuals of this injury, which qualifies for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right shoulder and left wrist disabilities, finding that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 10 percent under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has granted an increased rating to 20 percent for the veteran's service-connected right shoulder disability, but denied a higher rating. A separate 10 percent evaluation was also granted for a tender scar on the right shoulder.

The Board granted an increased rating to 20 percent for residuals of a right shoulder injury with traumatic arthritis, effective from the date of filing of his original claim.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his post-operative residuals of stabilization surgery for right and left shoulder dislocation, finding that the evidence does not support a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.

The veteran sustained additional disabilities in his right shoulder, low back, and possibly right hip as a result of falling into an elevator at the VA hospital. The low back disability is attributed to pre-existing service-connected lumbosacral strain aggravated by the fall. Right shoulder and right hip injuries are considered new disabilities resulting from the 1995 incident.

The Board has granted a 20 percent evaluation for the veteran's traumatic arthritis and residuals of a rotator cuff injury of the right shoulder, finding that his disability is manifested by limited motion to shoulder level.

The Board denied increased evaluations for the service-connected recurring left shoulder dislocations, chronic prostatitis and an anxiety reaction in July 1975. The decision is not considered to involve clear and unmistakable error.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and a need for additional examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed conditions are not related to service and thus denied his claims for service connection.

The VA denied compensation benefits for additional disability of the cervical spine and a left shoulder disability as secondary to surgery and treatment at a VA medical facility from August to October 1991.