Shoulder decisions — 2004

The VA determined that the veteran does not have a bilateral knee disability, neck pain, rectal bleeding (hemorrhoids), or left shoulder disability that is related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and a need for further examination regarding service connection for low back, right knee, and right shoulder disorders.

The Board determined that new and material evidence had been submitted to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for arthritis of the left shoulder, back, and right knee. However, after a de novo review, the RO denied this claim on the merits.

The Board dismissed the veteran's appeal regarding whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen his claim for service connection for residuals of a neck injury. The issue of entitlement to service connection for a shoulder disability is remanded.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the assignment of a TDIU was denied as he did not meet the criteria based on his service-connected disabilities and the applicable regulations.

The veteran's claims for initial evaluations of his left ankle strain, right shoulder strain, onychomycosis and/or tinea pedis, eczema on the lower lip, and urethral stricture were all granted. The conditions are deemed to be service-connected based on their direct relationship to the veteran's military service.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his lumbar strain, right shoulder condition, and hemorrhoids are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and examinations.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for his left (minor) shoulder disability, finding that the evidence did not warrant such an increase.

The Board has granted a rating of 10 percent for the veteran's right knee disorder and increased his disability evaluation from noncompensable to 20 percent for his right shoulder disorder, effective since October 19, 1999.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the veteran's claims, including obtaining medical opinions and scheduling examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a higher level of special monthly compensation at a rate greater than 38 U.S.C.A. � 1114(l), to include loss of use of the arms and legs.

The veteran's appeal was denied on all issues, including the reduction of his right shoulder disability rating and service connection for brain thrombosis.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left shoulder disorder is not related to service or a service-connected condition, and thus denied his claim for service connection. The rating for residuals of fracture of bone in the left hand remains unchanged as there is no evidence supporting an increased rating.

The Board denied the veteran's petition to reopen his previously denied claims for service connection for various joint and heart disorders. The RO also denied service connection for a right leg disorder, but granted service connection for status post pacemaker implantation due to cold weather injury.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to incomplete records and unclear etiology of the veteran's right shoulder condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining an operative report of the right shoulder capping surgery and post-operative treatment records. The veteran will also be scheduled for a VA examination with an orthopedic specialist.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for disability compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151, finding that his chronic headaches and residuals of injuries to the neck, shoulders, knees, left elbow, and lower back did not result from VA medical care.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a left shoulder disability and an eye disability, finding no evidence of a nexus between any current disabilities and his military service.

The Board determined that the veteran's chronic acquired disorder of the left shoulder was incurred in service due to an injury sustained while carrying milk cans on a slippery floor.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected right wrist scar does not warrant a compensable disability rating under either the old or new VA Rating Schedule criteria. The veteran's claim for an increased initial evaluation for his right shoulder impingement syndrome with resection of the distal clavicle remains denied.