Shoulder decisions — 2004

The Board denied service connection for defective hearing, left shoulder disability, and low back disability. It also denied increased evaluations for the seizure disorder, migraine headaches (prior to August 30, 1997), and migraine headaches (on and subsequent to August 30, 1997).

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have bursitis/tendonitis of the left shoulder or carpal tunnel syndrome, left wrist, related to service or his service-connected residuals gunshot wound to the right hand. Therefore, he is denied these claims.

The Board found that the residuals of a humeral head fracture of the right shoulder are not manifested by any current fracture or other bony abnormality, and that the associated impairment is encompassed in the separate 20 percent rating for recurrent dislocation with calcific tendonitis. Therefore, a separate compensable rating is not warranted.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected left shoulder disability is being remanded due to procedural defects and the need for additional medical examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher ratings for his service-connected PTSD and residuals of a gunshot wound to the left shoulder, finding that the evidence did not support ratings in excess of the current 20 percent evaluations.

The veteran's hands and hips were evaluated, with all joints currently rated at 10%.,The veteran's hands and hips were evaluated, with all joints currently rated at 10%.,The veteran's hands and hips were evaluated, with all joints currently rated at 10%.,The veteran's hands and hips were evaluated, with all joints currently rated at 10%.,The veteran's hands and hips were evaluated, with all joints currently rated at 10%

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a left shoulder injury, frostbite to the fingers of both hands, degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine, and surgery to the toes are denied as there is no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for osteoarthritis of the shoulder and knees. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records, including from Dr. Deloria and Dr. Chua-Balmadrid, and to provide the veteran with a VA examination to determine the nature of his osteoarthritis.

The veteran's postoperative right shoulder disorder was rated at 10 percent from March 23, 2000. The RO found that the condition did not warrant a higher rating during any of the periods in dispute.

The Board has granted a 20 percent evaluation for the appellant's right shoulder disability from October 5, 1990 to June 6, 1997.

The Board has determined that the appeal is dismissed due to a lack of timely substantive appeal for the initial evaluation of acne vulgaris. The remaining issues are addressed in the REMAND portion.

The Board found no evidence of current disabilities related to the veteran's claimed conditions and denied all service connection claims.

The VA denied an increased evaluation for the veteran's service-connected gunshot wound residuals of the posterior left shoulder and posterior right thoracic region, currently rated at 10 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine and left shoulder disability, as well as an increased evaluation for hiatal hernia with epigastritis. The appeals were based on direct service connection.

The Board found that the veteran's left shoulder injury during service was acute and transitory, resulting in no chronic disability. As such, the claim for service connection for residuals of a left shoulder injury is denied.

The veteran's claim for service connection for right shoulder dystonia has been reopened. The issue of entitlement to special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance is pending.

The Board has decided to remand the veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and requests that additional medical records be obtained, as well as a VA examination.

The veteran's service-connected left shoulder and wrist disabilities were evaluated, but the claims for increased evaluations were denied.

The veteran's VR&E benefits were initially denied due to a determination of no serious employment handicap. The RO has now determined there is a material change in his disability level, and the case is being remanded for further review.

The veteran's service connection claims for PTSD, skull fragment injury residuals, right shoulder fragment injury residuals, right forearm fragment injury residuals, right wrist fragment injury residuals, and dizziness and headaches due to a grenade explosion are denied as the injuries were sustained due to his own willful misconduct.