Shoulder decisions — 2002

The Board found that the veteran's current low back and right shoulder disorders are not related to his military service, thus denying these claims.

The Board finds that the veteran's right and left shoulder disabilities, which include degenerative changes, are currently manifested by some limitation of motion but do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes. The current 10 percent ratings assigned for each shoulder disability remain appropriate.

The Board has determined that the veteran's post-traumatic degenerative joint disease of the lumbosacral and thoracic spine, right shoulder degenerative joint disease, and bilateral hearing loss are related to his military service. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The veteran's cervical spine arthritis is rated at 10 percent.,Separate ratings of 10 percent each are assigned for the left shoulder, right hip, and left knee. The lumbar spine is rated at 20 percent.,A 10 percent rating is granted for the left hip from March 15, 1996 to December 11, 1996.,The veteran's right hip is rated at 20 percent effective from March 15, 1996.,For the period from March 15, 1996 to January 31, 2000, separate ratings of 10 percent are assigned for arthritis and impairment in both knees. For the period from February 1, 2000 forward, a rating of 20 percent is assigned for arthritis.,The veteran's left knee has been rated at 10 percent since March 15, 1996.,For the period from March 15, 1996 to January 31, 2000, a rating of 10 percent is assigned for arthritis and impairment in both knees. For the period from February 1, 2000 forward, a rating of 20 percent is assigned for arthritis.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for asthma, left foot disorder, and left shoulder disorder have been denied as there is no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran sustained multiple injuries as a result of an October 1998 motor vehicle accident, which occurred during his period of inactive duty for training. The medical evidence tends to show that these current right shoulder and right knee disorders were incurred as a result of this accident.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee patellofemoral syndrome, but denied service connection for traumatic arthritis of the shoulders. The veteran's right knee condition is presumed to have arisen during active service, while his shoulder condition does not meet the criteria for presumptive service connection.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim of service connection for status post rotator cuff repair of the left shoulder as secondary to his service-connected right ankle disability.

The veteran's widow is denied eligibility for Service Disabled Veterans' Insurance (RH) because the veteran did not file an application during his lifetime and was never shown to be mentally incompetent.

The veteran's combined rating is 70%, but his disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of service connection for right shoulder and neck pain, as it was not incurred or aggravated by active military service. The claim is denied.

The veteran withdrew their appeal prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board granted the veteran an increased rating to 30 percent disabling for his service-connected right shoulder disability, which was previously rated as 20 percent disabling.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left shoulder disorder is not related to service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for left and right shoulder disorders, as well as swelling of the left knee. The evidence did not show current disabilities or a nexus to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's degenerative joint disease of the right knee was incurred during active duty, and service connection is granted. The veteran does not have current degenerative joint disease in his left ankle, right shoulder, or either hip.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for a disability of the digestive system, including ulcers and hiatal hernia; a cervical spine disability manifested by degenerative joint disease (DJD), claimed as residuals of inservice trauma to the neck; a lower back disability, claimed as residuals of inservice trauma to the back; and a thoracic spine disability, claimed as residuals of inservice trauma to the back. The Board has also reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral shoulder disability, claimed as residuals of inservice trauma to the shoulders.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a right shoulder disorder, finding that it is not related to his service-connected low back disorder or any incident of service.

The Board found no evidence of chronic conditions related to service, and denied the veteran's claims for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for left hearing loss, but denied service connection for right hearing loss and both shoulder and back disabilities.