Shoulder decisions — 2004

The Board found that the veteran's claimed low back disorder, neck pain, shoulder pain, rapid heartbeat and chest pains, and sensory disruptions below the left scapula were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The Board also determined that these symptoms are manifestations of his service-connected hiatal hernia with GERD.

The Board has received notification that the appellant wishes to withdraw their appeal, and thus the appeal is dismissed.

The Board found that neither a left shoulder disorder nor the disability manifested by dizziness, swollen joints, and leg cramps were incurred during or as a result of any incident of active service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current disability for which service connection can be granted. The claims of entitlement to service connection for hypercholesterolemia, dermatitis, reactive airway disease, osteoarthritis (save for right shoulder osteoarthritis), and erythema of the eyes are denied.

The veteran's claims for an increased rating for his service-connected left shoulder disability and for service connection for a left hand disorder have been denied due to the veteran's failure to cooperate in the development of these claims.

The Board has granted service connection for a deviated nasal septum incurred during active duty. The remaining issues on appeal regarding higher ratings for various service-connected conditions are remanded to the RO.

The Board found no evidence of a right shoulder disorder in service and denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a right shoulder disorder and an increased rating for left shoulder bursitis.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to procedural deficiencies and incomplete medical records.

The veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied as his puretone thresholds did not meet the criteria for a disability rating.,Service connection for prostate disorder was denied as there is no current diagnosis of such condition in the claims file.

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

The Board has determined that the veteran's right shoulder tendonitis is secondary to his service-connected left shoulder disorder and grants this claim.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to evaluate his service-connected lumbar spine disorder and fracture of the ramus. The claims will be readjudicated based on the new rating criteria.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including a skin condition, lymphatic filariasis, gastrointestinal disorder, numbness of the legs and arms, left knee disability, migraine headaches, and low back disability. The veteran's claims were not supported by evidence showing these conditions were related to his military service.

The Board has granted an increased evaluation of 30 percent for the service-connected residuals of a gunshot wound to the right shoulder. The case is now remanded due to issues regarding muscle groups and degenerative joint disease.

The veteran's left shoulder disability, with surgical scar, is rated at 20 percent based on symptoms such as pain and weakness. His range of motion has been measured in abduction to 80 degrees, flexion to 180 degrees, internal rotation to 90 degrees, and external rotation to 60 degrees. The veteran also has a 5-inch, asymptomatic scar post-surgery on his shoulder.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection have been denied as new and material evidence has not been presented to reopen any of his previously denied claims.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a back, left shoulder, and left arm injury. The claim to reopen the bilateral hearing loss was also denied.

The Board denied increased ratings for right shoulder bursitis, right knee disability, left knee disability, and hypertension. The veteran's service-connected conditions are currently rated 20% for right shoulder bursitis, 10% each for right and left knee disabilities, and 10% for hypertension.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for osteoarthritis of the bilateral shoulders and a cervical spine disorder, finding that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen previously denied claims.