Shoulder decisions — 2001

The VA has granted a 20 percent evaluation for the veteran's osteomyelitis of the left shoulder, which is rated under Diagnostic Code 5201. The condition limits motion to shoulder level.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current disability for which service connection can be granted, except for right ischial tuberosity bursitis. The other conditions were either not shown in service or are not related to service.

The Board denied an increased rating for service-connected recurrent dislocation of the right shoulder due to the veteran's failure to report for necessary VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examinations and the need for additional testing, including an EMG.

The Board is remanding the case to determine the earliest date on which it was shown that the veteran had traumatic arthritis of the right shoulder, and to consider whether additional evidence should be obtained.

The veteran's nonservice-connected disabilities, including a psychiatric disorder, low back disorder, neck disorder, gastrointestinal disorder, and right shoulder disorder, do not meet the criteria for a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left shoulder disability is service-connected, with no specific rating assigned and no effective date provided.

The veteran's service-connected conditions did not contribute substantially to his death. The appellant is therefore denied DIC benefits and the other claims.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for right shoulder disability due to new and material evidence submitted since the April 1998 denial. The case is now remanded for further development.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for the veteran's residuals of a shell fragment wound to the right shoulder and denied entitlement to a compensable evaluation for his bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right shoulder disability, finding that the evidence does not support a higher rating at any time from February 24, 1996 to date.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation, consistent with his education and previous work experience. Therefore, the appeal for a total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current left shoulder disability is related to an incident during service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted a 20% evaluation for the veteran's right shoulder impairment, finding that there are multiple dislocations of the clavicle or scapula. The evidence shows current and contemporaneous evidence of a compensable right shoulder impairment.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected PTSD contributed to his death, and therefore grants service connection for the cause of the veteran's death.

The Board found that the veteran's low back and right shoulder disorders were not incurred in or aggravated by his period of active duty.

The veteran's death was caused by septic shock, nephrectomy, and renal cell carcinoma. The RO is instructed to contact the appellant for any missing VA medical records from his treatment at a Philadelphia VA facility, including those from April 19-29, 1995, which may be relevant to the cause of death.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied as not well grounded. The RO certified these issues to the Board, which is now remanding them for further development.

The Board has granted a 20 percent disability rating for the appellant's right shoulder dislocation, effective as of May 1, 1999. The previous temporary total rating was assigned due to surgery performed on February 18, 1999.

The Board found that the veteran's right shoulder and right knee disabilities do not warrant an evaluation in excess of 10 percent, as they are only mildly-to-moderately symptomatic.