Shoulder decisions — 2003

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for her right shoulder disability remains denied as her current rating of 10 percent is not higher than what was granted upon service connection.

The Board has ordered further development in the veteran's case, including examinations for glaucoma, right shoulder disorder, and right cheek laceration scar. The appeal is currently pending due to ongoing administrative issues.

The veteran's claims for service connection for chronic bronchitis and migraine headaches are denied. The initial ratings for right shoulder impingement syndrome (30%) and left shoulder impingement syndrome (20%) are granted, but the claim for increased rating of migraine headaches is denied.

The veteran's service-connected conditions were all granted increased evaluations.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence had been submitted, thus reopening the veteran's claim for service connection of a left shoulder disorder. The VA will now review whether this condition was incurred or aggravated during military service.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain additional medical records and conduct an examination to determine the presence of shrapnel wound residuals. The veteran's claim will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The veteran's appeal was denied as his service-connected disabilities did not warrant an initial rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic low back disorder. The veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, skin disorder, bilateral hip disorder, bilateral shoulder disorder, and bilateral wrist disorder are not currently addressed as they were the subject of a separate remand.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for right leg and right shoulder disabilities, finding no evidence of a current disability related to his active duty service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's traumatic arthritis of the right shoulder was aggravated during active service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the veteran's death, and no further action can be taken on this case.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating of his service-connected left shoulder arthritis is being remanded due to the need for a thorough and contemporaneous examination, as well as additional development of VA medical records.

The Board has determined that the veteran's substantive appeal was not timely filed with respect to her claims for service connection for left shoulder and foot disorders, as well as an increased evaluation for a left knee disability. As such, these matters are dismissed due to lack of jurisdiction.

The Board denied the veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for a right shoulder dislocation, finding that no new and material evidence had been submitted.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the veteran's death, and no further action can be taken on this case.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and to reopen his claim of entitlement to service connection for a left shoulder disorder. The denial was based on the lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to assess the etiology of the veteran's right shoulder disorder, which may be related to his service-connected disabilities. The case will be remanded for this purpose.

The veteran's arthritis of the right shoulder was granted service connection and a 10 percent evaluation. The propriety of an initial 10 percent evaluation for GERD was also granted.

The Board denied the veteran's applications to reopen claims of service connection for head injury, low back disorder, and right shoulder disability due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has ordered further development due to the need for additional evidence. The case is now remanded for additional development at the RO level.