Shoulder decisions — 2003

The Board has determined that the veteran submitted new and material evidence to reopen his claim of service connection for a right shoulder disability, which was previously denied in April 1960. Service connection is now granted for post-traumatic scapulothoracic syndrome on the right.

The Board found no clear and unmistakable error in the November 1994 rating decision that denied service connection for residuals of a left shoulder injury and low back strain. The evidence at the time did not establish current disabilities.

The Board has granted a higher initial rating of 20 percent for the veteran's service-connected cervical spine disorder, and denied an initial compensable rating for his left shoulder disorder.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher ratings for his service-connected post-operative left and right shoulder disabilities, finding that they did not warrant increased schedular ratings under VA regulations.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of a bilateral shoulder disability and there is no evidence linking any such disability to his military service. As a result, the claim for service connection for a bilateral shoulder disability with disfigurement is denied.

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

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a current gastrointestinal disorder, right shoulder disorder, or right elbow disorder related to service. The veteran's claims for these conditions have been denied.

The Board denied service connection for chronic cervical strain and radiculopathy with degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine, finding that it is not related to service or a service-connected condition. Service connection was also denied for left bicipital tendonitis and shoulder rotator cuff degeneration, as the examiner opined that these conditions may be related to a shrapnel injury in Vietnam.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for cervical spine, bilateral shoulder, and low back disorders. The claim to reopen a left knee disorder was also denied due to lack of new and material evidence.

The veteran's bilateral shoulder disabilities are currently rated at 20 percent each, and the Board has determined that a higher evaluation is not warranted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left knee and shoulder disabilities do not warrant ratings in excess of the currently assigned evaluations.

The Board has ordered further development due to pending issues regarding the veteran's left shoulder disability. The case is now being sent back for additional evidence and an orthopedic examination.

The VA has determined that the veteran's service-connected right shoulder injury, which causes limited abduction and pain, warrants a 20% rating since September 29, 2000.

The veteran's right shoulder disability, including both limitation of motion and instability, is currently rated at 20 percent. The RO has granted the requested evaluations for these conditions.

The Board has reopened the claims of service connection for a back disability, right shoulder disability, residuals of dental trauma, and prostate disorder due to exposure to Agent Orange. The claim of service connection for peripheral neuropathy remains denied as no new evidence was submitted that would warrant reopening.

The Board found no evidence of a service-connected neck, head, or shoulder injury. The veteran's claims for these conditions were denied as there was insufficient medical evidence to support the connection between his current disabilities and his military service.

The veteran's PTSD and related disabilities are currently rated at the highest possible schedular evaluations, with no further increase in evaluation being granted. The effective date for the current rating is set as February 18, 1997.

The veteran's claims for service connection for sickle cell anemia, left eye disability (myopia), and left arm/shoulder conditions are denied. The claim for increased evaluation of lumbosacral strain is pending.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral shoulder subacromial impingement and muscle and joint pain claimed as due to an undiagnosed illness incurred in active service in Southwest Asia during the Persian Gulf War.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher ratings and service connection, finding no current disabilities or evidence of in-service injuries that would support these claims.