Shoulder decisions — 2004

The veteran's right shoulder disorder was granted a 20 percent rating, while the other issues remained at noncompensable ratings.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic left shoulder strain, finding that it is related to military service. Service connection was not granted for an eye disability.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased evaluation for his right shoulder disorder and TDIU due to service-connected disability. The RO evaluated the condition as a major joint at the 50 percent rate under Diagnostic Code 5200, which is the maximum available evaluation for unfavorable ankylosis of scapulohumeral articulation.

The veteran's claims for reimbursement or payment of unauthorized physical therapy and psychotherapy treatments received outside VA medical care system were denied as the criteria for payment have not been met.

The Board granted service connection for a low back disorder, but denied the claims for initial ratings of 10 percent for a right wrist ganglion cyst and a non-compensable rating for a right shoulder lipoma.

The Board has ordered a VA medical opinion to address the relationship between the veteran's service-connected left shoulder disorder and his death, as well as any contribution of that condition to his death.

The Board has denied service connection for hypertension and arthritis, but found new and material evidence to reopen claims for residuals of injury to the right great toe and pancreatitis. The veteran's mixed connective tissue disease is not considered a skin condition.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left shoulder, right knee, and left knee disabilities have been denied. The evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating under applicable VA regulations.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and a compensable rating are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current cervical spine condition, including headaches and numbness of the right arm, is service-connected. The remaining claims for asthma, TMJ syndrome, a right shoulder disability, bilateral knee disabilities, and left ankle or foot disabilities are remanded for further development.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The numbness of the right hand, as a residual of lipoma excision from the right shoulder, was not found to be related to active service or a service-connected disability.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for clarification of his hearing preference and further development.

The veteran's appeal is to determine if the reduction of his right shoulder disorder evaluation from 40 percent to 20 percent was proper. The RO has not provided a VA examination since the surgery in April 2003, and this case is being remanded for that purpose.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral eye disability, right knee disability, cervical spine disability, and right arm and shoulder disability. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service injury or disease related to these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left shoulder disorders, but denied a higher rating for arthritis of the hands and knees. The veteran's current symptoms include pain in his hands and knees, as well as impingement syndrome in his shoulders.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for left shoulder tendonitis, heart disorder (Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome), residuals of a contusion of the left elbow, and an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected right shoulder disability, characterized by pain and decreased range of motion, does not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The RO granted service connection for the status post resection auricular deformity, right side and assigned a noncompensable rating. The claim of service connection for a mouth disorder is pending due to lack of evidence linking it to service. The claim of service connection for a left shoulder disorder is also pending due to lack of evidence linking it to service.

The Board has restored the veteran's prior 30 percent disability evaluation for his service-connected right shoulder disability residuals, effective March 1, 2002.

The Board granted a 20 percent evaluation for the veteran's right shoulder disability, effective from when it was initially denied in 1994.