Shoulder decisions — 2001

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for degenerative arthritis of the right shoulder, finding that no request to reopen the claim was filed before May 15, 1997.

The Board found that the veteran does not have PTSD, and his depressive disorder, right shoulder tendinitis, and left knee arthritis are not service-connected. The rating for residuals of shell fragment wound to the right leg remains at 20 percent.

The Board has ordered the case to be remanded for additional development, including a hearing and a VA examination. The veteran's claims of service connection for arthritis and an increased evaluation for muscular atrophy are pending.

The Board has determined that the September 1949 rating decision was clearly and unmistakably erroneous, and grants a 30 percent rating for residuals of a gunshot wound to the right shoulder girdle effective from March 1949.

The Board has determined that the veteran's headaches, neck pain, and numbness of the arms and shoulder were caused by VA treatment. The postoperative right abdominal wall incisional hernia is currently rated at 10 percent.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral defective hearing and an ear disability manifested by chronic ear infections. The veteran was not granted a rating in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected left knee disorder or IBS.

The Board found no evidence of a current disability and denied the veteran's claim for service connection for left shoulder separation.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete records and compliance with new VCAA requirements.

The veteran's claims for a right shoulder or arm disorder, headaches, and periodontitis are all denied as there is no competent evidence linking these conditions to service.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for recurrent dislocation of the left shoulder was granted, with a current evaluation of 20 percent.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim of service connection for a skin disorder as a residual of Agent Orange exposure and granted it. The claims for rectal bleeding, paralysis of the neck, and paralysis of the shoulders are also granted.

The Board found no evidence of a right shoulder injury during service and concluded that any current right shoulder disorder is not related to service. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board denied service connection for left shoulder, arm, and jaw disorders due to lack of evidence showing such conditions were incurred or aggravated during active military service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his left shoulder disability, finding that the current rating of 50% is appropriate given the severity of his symptoms and functional impairment.

The Board denied an increased rating for the veteran's left shoulder disability, currently rated at 20 percent.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The RO granted a 40 percent rating for right shoulder calcific tendonitis status post surgery and a 20 percent rating for lumbar paravertebral myositis prior to November 19, 1999. A 50 percent rating was assigned for major depression and TDIU was granted. The RO also granted a 40 percent rating for lumbar paravertebral myositis effective November 19, 1999.

The Board denied an increased evaluation for the veteran's right shoulder bursitis, currently rated at 10 percent disabling. The claim was found to not meet criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the October 1968 RO rating decision denying service connection for left shoulder and knee disabilities contains clear and unmistakable error (CUE).

The veteran's right shoulder impingement syndrome is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that a further examination is needed to assess any additional functional limitations.

The Board has granted an increased rating of 20 percent for the veteran's dislocation of the left shoulder with post-traumatic arthritis, effective from the date of the July 1999 rating decision.