Shoulder decisions — 2001

The Board has determined that the veteran's chronic fatigue syndrome, musculoskeletal pain of the wrists, shoulders, hips, neck and knees, muscle weakness, headaches, night sweats, burning eyes, depression, memory loss, and sleep problems are all related to his service in the Gulf War.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for an eye disorder and a right shoulder disorder, finding that new evidence did not meet the criteria to reopen his previously denied claims. The total disability rating based on individual unemployability claim is addressed in the remand section.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim of service connection for a left shoulder condition. The appeal is granted.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a stomach disorder and joint pain, as these conditions have been diagnosed rather than due to an undiagnosed illness. The skin condition is granted as due to an undiagnosed illness.

The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for the appellant's right shoulder impingement with rotator cuff tear, finding that it meets the criteria under DC 5201.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current conditions, including arthritis of the lumbar spine, arthritis of the left knee, and left shoulder impingement syndrome, are related to his military service. The decision grants service connection for these disabilities.

The Board has granted increased ratings of 20% for the service-connected arthritis of each shoulder and a noncompensable rating for the bunion on the right foot.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are denied as there is no evidence of hypertension meeting the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable regulations, and the other conditions do not meet the requirements for direct service connection.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for low back injury, shoulder injury, head injury, and hypertension with cerebrovascular accident residuals. The Board found that there was no evidence of infectious mononucleosis in service or any other condition related to service.

The veteran's disabilities do not prevent him from engaging in substantially gainful employment, and he is employed as a lab director at a water treatment plant. Therefore, his claim for a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran is unemployable due to multiple disabilities, including chronic lumbar syndrome and degenerative joint disease. The evidence shows he suffers from a combination of conditions that prevent him from engaging in substantially gainful employment.

The veteran's right shoulder disability and dysthymia disorder continue to be service-connected, but the appeals for increased ratings remain pending. The total rating based on individual unemployability is not addressed due to lack of information.