Shoulder decisions — 2003

The VA determined that the veteran does not have a chronic acquired right shoulder disorder related to his military service.

The Board finds that the veteran does not have a bone, joint, muscle, ligament, nerve, or physical stress disability that is service-connected. The preponderance of evidence supports this conclusion.

The VA determined that the appellant's right shoulder disability warranted a 10 percent evaluation from October 31, 1995 to March 14, 2002.

The veteran's service-connected left shoulder and neck conditions have been evaluated, with the left shoulder receiving a higher evaluation effective from June 15, 2000.

The Board has granted an initial evaluation of 20 percent for postoperative residuals of a torn rotator cuff, left shoulder, effective January 23, 2001.

The veteran's conditions, including his delusional disorder and skin cancer, do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance. However, he meets the criteria for housebound benefits due to multiple independent disabilities.

The veteran's service-connected right and left shoulder disabilities are rated at 30% and 20%, respectively. His combined rating is 70%. The Board has found that his disabilities preclude all forms of substantially gainful employment, leading to a grant of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board denied service connection for a left knee disorder, a left shoulder disorder, chronic low back pain, and Klinefelter's Syndrome as not well grounded. The claimant was also denied a total disability rating based on unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of a right shoulder injury, finding that the current disability is related to an inservice injury. The claims for bilateral hip disorder and left shoulder disorder are denied as there is no competent evidence relating these conditions to service.

The Board found that the veteran's cervical spine and bilateral shoulder disabilities are not etiologically related to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed conditions are not related to his military service and thus denied all of his claims for service connection.

The veteran's service-connected right shoulder disability warrants a 20 percent rating from June 1, 1996 through April 1, 1997. From June 1, 1997, the criteria for a greater initial rating are not met. The veteran's avascular necrosis of the hips is rated as 10 percent disabling since June 1, 1996. Patellofemoral syndrome and tinea versicolor do not warrant compensable ratings.

The veteran's left ear hearing loss is service-connected due to aggravation during service. The veteran does not have a diagnosed shortness of breath, skin disorders, or memory loss related to service. Service connection for left shoulder and arm pain and multiple joint pain is granted on the basis of direct evidence.

The veteran's claims for higher evaluations of his service-connected heart condition, frostbite of the hands and feet, hiatal hernia with acid reflux, bilateral knee strain, left shoulder strain, and frostbite of the feet have all been denied. The initial evaluation for status post myocardial infarction with coronary artery angioplasty and stent placement remains at 30 percent.

The Board has granted increased ratings of 20 percent each for osteoarthritis of the right and left shoulders, effective from the date of receipt of the June 1999 claim.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for a total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, finding that the claim was received in December 8, 1993 and no prior informal claim existed within one year prior.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected left shoulder disability is primarily manifested by pain on resisted motion and limitation of motion to shoulder level, and thus did not meet the criteria for an increased rating.

The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for the veteran's post-operative right shoulder residuals, effective from August 1, 1992. The disability is characterized by pain and weakness in the shoulder with decreased range of motion.

The Board found that the veteran's fractures of the left wrist, elbow, and shoulder did not occur during his active military service. The Board concluded that there was no evidence to support a finding of aggravation or worsening of these conditions due to service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for her right shoulder, left shoulder, and left hip disabilities. The evidence did not support a higher evaluation under any applicable diagnostic codes.