Shoulder decisions — 2003

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected right shoulder impingement is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and development of the record.

The veteran's nonservice-connected conditions, including senile dementia, require the need for regular aid and attendance of another person to qualify for special monthly pension benefits.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current right or left shoulder disorder and there is no evidence of a chronic disability manifested by joint pain. The service medical records are silent for any complaints or findings related to the right knee, and the VA examiner found the knees normal during the November 1998 examination. Therefore, the claims for service connection for these conditions have been denied.

The Board denied the veteran's applications to reopen his claims for service connection for residuals of a right shoulder injury and hypertension, finding that no new and material evidence had been submitted.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have service connection for peripheral neuropathy, low back disability, or right shoulder disability. The initial rating for postoperative residuals of umbilical herniorrhaphy is denied as there are no residual disabilities other than a well-healed scar.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance, warranting an increase in SMC to a higher level.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the veteran's current shoulder disabilities are related to his military service, including any in-service motor vehicle accident. The RO must request the veteran's service medical records and clinical records of inpatient treatment at Brooke Army Medical Center from January 1953 to March 1953.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current right shoulder disability, which includes debridement of anterior labrum and debridement and fixation of posterior labrum, was incurred during his period of service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for reopening his shoulder disability claim and service connection for a back disability, currently characterized as lumbosacral strain.

The Board has ordered further development due to pending issues regarding the veteran's left shoulder disability and service connection for numbness of the fingers on his left hand. The case is being remanded for additional examination and review.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection due to lack of objective medical evidence supporting his claimed disabilities.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a currently diagnosed bilateral leg disorder, and thus service connection for this condition is denied. The remaining claims of service connection for right shoulder, left shoulder, stomach/gastrointestinal, and depression disorders are pending evaluation.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a psychological disorder as secondary to service-connected eye injury residuals. The decision also addressed other issues such as cranial nerve dysfunction, seizure disorder, back disorder, condition of shoulders and knees, right thumb disorder, and hypnotism.

The Board has granted a 30 percent evaluation for the veteran's service-connected fracture of the left humerus with limitation of motion of the left shoulder, effective from the date of the decision.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for a 20% rating for the veteran's left shoulder disability, finding that it was not factually ascertainable that the condition increased in severity within one year prior to the December 1, 1998 claim.

The veteran's disabilities, including degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine and tendonitis/bursitis of the shoulders, do not meet the criteria for a combined 100 percent schedular disability rating. The Board finds that his disabilities do not preclude him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board found no clear and unmistakable error in the July 1946 rating decision that assigned a 10 percent evaluation for the veteran's residuals of trench feet. The veteran's claims for service connection, increased ratings, and Raynaud's syndrome are currently pending.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, primarily her degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine, preclude her from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of a gunshot wound of the right knee and thigh, finding that the veteran engaged in combat during his active military service. The issues regarding hearing loss, lung condition, skin rash, and right groin scar will be remanded to the RO for further development.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his right shoulder disorder is being remanded due to the need to review additional evidence and conduct further development.