Shoulder decisions — 2002

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for a psychiatric disorder, right shoulder disorder, and heart disease. The decision also found that there is no evidence to support benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for the claimed disabilities.

The Board granted a 10 percent rating for left ulnar neuropathy, secondary to the service-connected left shoulder disorder. The increased rating for post-operative left shoulder disability was not addressed in this decision.

The Board has determined that the veteran's cervical spondylosis warrants a 10 percent disability rating, and his tendinitis of both shoulders warrant increased ratings to 20 percent each.

The veteran's claim for service connection for myopic astigmatism of both eyes is denied as it is a developmental condition and not a disability under the law for purposes of service connection.

The veteran's claim for TDIU benefits prior to November 3, 1993 was denied as he did not meet the criteria for a total disability rating due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board granted a 20 percent rating for the veteran's left shoulder injury with acromioclavicular arthritis, postoperative resection of distal left clavus, and also granted a separate 10 percent rating for residual pain secondary to the scar in the previous acromioclavicular joint. The veteran was previously rated at 10 percent.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were generally granted, with some issues receiving specific evaluations.

The Board denied an increased rating for service-connected left thoracic outlet syndrome with instability of the left (minor) shoulder.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed bilateral shoulder disorder, bilateral hip disorder (Otto's pelvis), and left heel injury were not incurred or aggravated by active service. The claims are denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a left shoulder disorder, arthritis, and back disorder. The appeal regarding memory loss was not addressed as it is no longer on appellate status due to a grant of pension benefits.

The Board found the veteran not in need of regular aid and attendance or housebound, thus denying his claim for special monthly pension based on these grounds.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a left eye injury and residuals of a left shoulder injury, finding that these conditions were not incurred or aggravated during the appellant's period of active duty.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral defective hearing, a left wrist disability, a left shoulder disability with resection of the left distal clavicle, and meniscal degeneration of the left knee. The veteran's claims were not reopened as new and material evidence was not submitted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's post-traumatic stress disorder warrants a 50 percent evaluation, while his residuals of gunshot wound to the left shoulder with fracture of humerus warrant a 20 percent evaluation.

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 disorder, which was previously denied in 1945. The appeal is granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral diminished hand grip, left shoulder tendinitis, and right elbow chronic strain were incurred in service.

The Board found that the veteran's residuals of a left shoulder dislocation do not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent, and his neurologic impairment does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since the effective date of service connection, which is considered a granted issue.,The veteran's scars have not been evaluated as compensable due to lack of evidence showing any functional impairment.

The Board has granted a disability rating of 30 percent for the right shoulder instability and a separate 10 percent rating for the tender and painful surgical scar. The veteran's service connection claim is now pending on remand.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current right shoulder condition is not related to his active service and denied his claim for service connection.