Shoulder decisions — 2003

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to procedural issues and to ensure compliance with VA's redefined duties to assist a claimant.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for the veteran's service-connected postoperative residuals of recurrent dislocation, left shoulder. The appeal was based on the current disability status and medical evidence provided.

The veteran's claim for a TDIU is being remanded due to the need to determine if he was entitled to this benefit during the one-year period preceding his March 19, 2001, claim. The RO increased his combined rating to 70 percent effective March 31, 2001.

The October 3, 1958 Board decision denying restoration of service connection for a right shoulder disability is not considered clearly and unmistakably erroneous.

The Board has determined that the veteran's renal insufficiency and polycystic kidney disability is proximately due to or the result of his service-connected degenerative joint disease of the left knee, which he treated with NSAIDS.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected disabilities prior to February 23, 2000 rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance due to his physical incapacity.

The veteran's initial 20 percent evaluation for his right shoulder disability is upheld as appropriate given the current level of functional impairment.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of reopening his service connection for right knee and right shoulder disorders due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board denied service connection for the veteran's claimed conditions of brain damage, right knee disorder, and right shoulder disorder. The decision is based on a finding that the claims were not well-grounded.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection are being remanded due to the need for compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000, including notification requirements under 38 U.S.C.A. § 5103(a) and 38 C.F.R. § 3.159.

The veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including VA medical examinations to assess the current severity of his service-connected disabilities and consideration of new evidence.

The veteran's service-connected right shoulder disability results in permanent loss of use of the right hand for driving purposes, which qualifies him for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile or adaptive equipment.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his right shoulder disability, finding that the evidence does not support a rating in excess of 30 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left shoulder disorder, characterized by traumatic arthritis with limitation of motion and history of recurrent dislocation, warrants a 20 percent disability rating under DC 5201.

The Board denied the veteran's claim to reopen her service connection for a left shoulder disorder, finding that new and material evidence was not presented.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left shoulder disability, including adhesive capsulitis, rotator cuff tear and bursitis/tendonitis, is proximately due to his service-connected bilateral hip disabilities. The reduction in rating for the left hip disability was not proper.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have a chronic left heel disorder, right hand disorder, right shoulder disorder, or headache disorder that is related to his military service.

The Board has ordered further development in the veteran's case due to pending issues and requests for additional evidence. The appeal is about determining whether arthritis of the right shoulder joint is service-connected.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection due to a lack of supporting medical evidence and incomplete records.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of costochondritis, left ankle disability, or chronic right shoulder disorder. As such, service connection for these conditions is denied.