Shoulder decisions — 2002

The VA has granted a 20 percent evaluation for recurrent dislocation of the left shoulder, effective January 31, 2001.

The veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than March 1, 1997 for the payment of additional compensation benefits on account of dependents was granted. The claims for increased ratings were denied.

The Board has increased the veteran's rating for his service-connected right shoulder from noncompensable to 20 percent, effective January 1999. The current evaluation is under Diagnostic Code 5201.

The veteran's appeal was dismissed because he did not file a timely substantive appeal within the required time frame.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for higher initial evaluations for her right and left shoulder disabilities, finding that there is no schedular basis for such evaluations given the minimal impairment in motion.

The Board has granted service connection for a cervical spine disorder and a left shoulder disorder, finding that the appellant's current disabilities are related to his in-service injuries.

The veteran's low back disorder is rated at 20% and the right shoulder, wrist, and left lower extremity cellulitis disorders are all rated as noncompensable. The initial ratings for these conditions have been denied.

The Board found that the veteran's degenerative joint disease of the left shoulder was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and may not be presumed to have been incurred in service. The claim for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for residuals of a stab wound to the left armpit was also denied.

The Board has granted service connection for headaches as a symptom of the veteran's service-connected cervical spine injury, and awarded an initial rating of 20 percent for his low back disorder.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a left shoulder injury and an increased rating for a shell fragment wound scar of the left knee. The veteran's shell fragment wound scar was found to be a residual of a shell fragment wound sustained in service, but his other claimed conditions were not related to military service.

The veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis of the shoulders and knees were denied. The RO granted increased ratings for his right femur impairment (currently rated at 20%) and left radius impairment (currently rated at 10%).

The veteran's service-connected psychiatric disorder, low back disability and right shoulder disability are all productive of significant impairment in work, thinking and mood. The increased evaluations for these conditions have been granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and an increased evaluation for his burn scars, residuals of traumatic injuries to the mouth and jaw with loss of teeth, and skin disease on a direct basis or as a result of exposure to ionizing and/or non-ionizing radiation.

The Board has determined that there is no competent evidence of current left hip, bilateral foot, or right shoulder disorders. Therefore, service connection for these conditions cannot be established.

The VA denied the appellant's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected right shoulder disability, currently rated at 20 percent. The evidence did not show more than moderate muscle injury to the right shoulder.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hypertension did not begin in service and is not related to his service-connected disabilities. The arthritis of multiple joints, including arms, shoulders, and neck, also did not begin in service and is not related to any service-connected disability.

The Board denied reopening the claim of entitlement to service connection for a right shoulder disability, finding no new and material evidence presented.

The veteran's left shoulder dislocation, postoperative with scar (minor), is rated at 10 percent effective as of April 20, 2000. Service connection for PTSD and dental disability are denied.

The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for the service-connected left hip disability and denied service connection for chronic right shoulder disability. The veteran's left hip disability is manifested by pain, discomfort, reduced motion, and functional impairment. His right shoulder disability was not incurred or aggravated by active service.

The veteran's death was due to post-operative complications, and the appellant is not entitled to DIC benefits as she remarried after her husband's death.