Shoulder decisions — 2003

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for heart disease, osteoarthritis of the right shoulder and hands, and cataracts. The Board found that there was no current diagnosis of rheumatism.

The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for the veteran's left (minor) shoulder disorder effective May 1, 2001.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left shoulder and neck disabilities are not related to his active service.,The VA examinations have found no evidence of chronic conditions during or prior to service, and current medical opinions indicate these conditions are more likely due to post-service injuries.

The Board has granted a 30 percent evaluation for the veteran's right shoulder instability (major) and found no service connection is warranted for left ulnar nerve disorder or neck and back pain.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection of heart disorder, lumps under the skin, and arthritis of the shoulders due to undiagnosed illness. The evidence did not show a causal relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Board found that the veteran does not have any residuals of frostbite, a current inguinal rupture or recurrent hernia, a neck condition, a shoulder condition, or headaches that were incurred in or aggravated by his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a shoulder disability that can be related to his period of service and therefore denied his claim for service connection. The issue of an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for cervical strain is also pending.

The Board denied service connection for COPD, Right Shoulder Disability, and Left Knee Disability. The veteran's COPD is not considered to have been incurred in or aggravated by military service. His Right Shoulder Disability and Left Knee Disability are also not considered to be related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from engaging in substantially gainful employment since December 22, 1995. As a result, he is entitled to an effective date of December 22, 1995 for his total rating for compensation purposes based on unemployability.

The Board denied service connection for a left shoulder disorder and granted a 10 percent rating for bilateral pes planus, effective from August 16, 1989.

The Board denied the veteran's appeals for increased ratings for his service-connected right shoulder and bilateral wrist disabilities, finding that the schedular criteria were not met.

The Board has determined that the veteran did not sustain a shrapnel wound to his right eyebrow or left shoulder during service, and does not have current disabilities as a result of such alleged injuries. Therefore, service connection for residuals of a right eyebrow cyst (claimed as residuals of a shrapnel wound) and for a left shoulder disability with scar are denied.

The Board found that the veteran's preexisting left knee and bilateral pes planus disabilities did not worsen during service, and denied claims for service connection.

The veteran's claim for increased non-service-connected special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance was denied as he is able to perform many daily activities without assistance.

The veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis of the right knee, left knee, and lumbar spine were denied. The claim for an initial disability evaluation in excess of 10 percent for postoperative right shoulder dislocation was granted (20%). However, the claim for TDIU remains denied.

The Board found no evidence to support the veteran's claims for service connection of a sleep disorder and an increased rating for his left shoulder disability. The preponderance of the evidence did not support these claims.

The Board has granted the appellant's claim for accrued benefits, which includes a retroactive increase in the veteran's compensation evaluation from 30 percent to 50 percent. The effective date is March 25, 2003.

The Board found that the veteran's current low back, cardiovascular disease, liver disease, and shoulder disability were not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a right shoulder disability, COPD, or low back disability that is associated with injury, disease, or event of his military service. The claims for these conditions are therefore denied.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative osteoarthritis of the shoulders and cervical spine, skin rashes (eczema), and chronic fatigue syndrome. The conditions were not found to be present in service or due to an undiagnosed illness.