Shoulder decisions — 2004

The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for the veteran's right shoulder separation, finding that his abduction is limited to about midway between the side and shoulder level. The Board denied service connection for a left shoulder disorder secondary to the service-connected right shoulder disability due to lack of current evidence.

The Board denied service connection for left shoulder bursitis, ear disability, sinus disability, low back disability (to include arthritis), and neck disability. Service connection was granted for bursitis of the right shoulder.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, indicating significant impairment in social and occupational functioning.,The veteran's right shoulder disability is rated at 40 percent, reflecting marked or severe limitation of motion.

The veteran is seeking service connection for a left shoulder disability that he believes was caused by his already service-connected right shoulder disability. The Board has determined that further medical examination and opinion are needed to determine the relationship between the two disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including obtaining medical records and opinions regarding the veteran's service connection claims.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected right shoulder disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Board denied service connection for right shoulder disability and an increased rating for cervical spine disability, as well as TDIU. The veteran's right shoulder disability is not considered to be directly related to his service or a service-connected condition.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for left shoulder bursitis and arthritis of the knees, finding that these conditions did not arise during or as a result of his military service.

The veteran's nonservice-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and further development is needed before a decision can be made on the veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine and right shoulder disabilities.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating were denied. The claim for loss of vision in the left eye was not granted as it is due to refractive error, while the claim for shoulder disability resulted in a denial.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected recurrent right shoulder rotator cuff tendonopathy does not warrant a higher rating, as his range of motion is full with no limitation to shoulder level. The current 10 percent rating remains appropriate.

The Board has granted the veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for a left shoulder disability, claimed as residuals of a left shoulder injury.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, right shoulder impingement, degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, status post foraminotomy and diskectomy, lumbar strain, degenerative arthritis of the hands, and degenerative arthritis of the knees, are related to service. The Board has granted these claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a right shoulder injury, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and hearing loss with vertigo have been denied as there is no credible evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for higher initial ratings and service connection due to incomplete information, need for further examination, and potential changes in rating criteria.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for further development.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, a neck disorder, and a right shoulder disorder due to lack of evidence showing these conditions were related to his military service.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities of the right lower extremity have resulted in a significant impairment, necessitating his use of a cane and wheelchair for ambulation. As such, he is eligible for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile or other conveyance.

The VA determined that the veteran's right shoulder nerve damage was not caused by negligence or fault on the part of VA, and thus denied his claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.