Shoulder decisions — 2002

The Board found that chronic residuals of shell fragment wounds (SFWs) of the right shoulder, arm and elbow with arthritis were not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board has determined that the appellant's cervical spine, shoulder, and elbow disabilities are aggravated by his service-connected right wrist disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, psychiatric disorder, low back disorder, chondromalacia of the right knee, left shoulder disability, and headaches have all been denied. The evidence submitted since the last final denial does not provide new or material evidence to reopen any of these claims.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his service-connected disabilities were denied. The mid thoracic vertebra T9 disability is rated at 10 percent, the low back pain with compression fracture L1 and disc bulge L4-L5 disability is also rated at 10 percent, and the chronic left shoulder tendonitis disability remains at a 10 percent rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a right shoulder disability and an initial compensable evaluation for bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis, finding no competent medical evidence of current disabilities.

The Board found that the veteran's claimed disabilities, including residuals of cold injury and arthritis, were not incurred or aggravated by active service. The claims are denied.

The Board denied increased ratings for service-connected fragment wound to the left shoulder and flexion contracture of the right little finger.

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

The Board has determined that the veteran sustained an injury to his cervical spine during service, and this injury left chronic residuals. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has granted a 20 percent evaluation for the veteran's residuals of a fracture of the left shoulder since September 19, 2000. The noncompensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss remains unchanged.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right shoulder disability warrants a 20 percent evaluation, equivalent to limitation of motion at shoulder level.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a right shoulder disorder and found that new and material evidence has been submitted. The Board also determined that the current right shoulder disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an effective date prior to March 28, 2001 for grants of service connection for right shoulder disability, hearing loss, left ear, and tinnitus. The decision is based on the statutory provision that requires VA to assign an effective date no earlier than the day following a veteran's discharge or release from active service.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his left shoulder disability, which was previously rated at 20 percent, is denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating based on current functional impairment.

The VA has denied the veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 20 percent for his service-connected left shoulder, which is currently rated at 20 percent.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected pes planus and left shoulder disorder did not warrant higher ratings, while finding that his PTSD warranted a 30 percent rating.

The Board found that the veteran's left shoulder recurrent dislocation was not incurred or aggravated by active duty service and denied his claim.

The Board found no evidence of a bilateral knee disorder or degenerative joint disease of the jaw, cervical spine, lumbar spine, and shoulders that was incurred in service. The veteran's current conditions are not considered to be related to his military service.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right elbow fracture, right shoulder rotator cuff tear (post-arthroscopy), and left knee chondromalacia were denied. The RO granted noncompensable evaluations for the left knee disability from October 1, 1994 to September 30, 1999.