Shoulder decisions — 2004

The Board has determined that the veteran's left shoulder acromioclavicular joint injury and skin disabilities, including urticaria, perivascular dermatitis, and tinea versicolor, were incurred in peacetime service. The claims are granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have arthritis of either hand or shoulder, and therefore service connection for these conditions cannot be granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected recurrent dislocation of the right shoulder, post-operative.

The veteran's left (major) shoulder disability, characterized by residuals of a shell fragment wound and injury to Muscle Group III, is currently rated at 20 percent. The appeal has been denied as the condition does not warrant an increased rating.

The Board denied service connection for right shoulder tendonitis, sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome due to a lack of medical evidence showing the veteran has any current disabilities.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and multiple shell fragment wounds, render him in need of regular aid and attendance due to his severe physical and mental incapacity.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of back, neck, and bilateral shoulder injuries due to a lack of current disability evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in the records and a need for another medical opinion based on a completely accurate factual history.

The veteran's appeal is for an extension of a temporary total rating (T/TR) based on surgery necessitating post-hospital convalescence for his right shoulder replacement beyond July 2000. The RO must ensure all notification and development actions are completed as per the VCAA, including obtaining any additional evidence from the veteran.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left knee popliteal cyst, heart murmur, and bilateral shoulder disability are all related to his military service.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a rash of the back and a compensable evaluation for residuals of tinea versicolor is being remanded due to incomplete records, including a 1971 Agent Orange examination report. The VA will attempt to obtain these records and conduct further examinations to determine the severity of his skin disability.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim of service connection for a right shoulder condition, finding that his current disability is due to an injury sustained in service. The decision resolves all reasonable doubt in favor of the veteran.

The Board has granted service connection for the residuals of left shoulder dislocation with degenerative changes, but is denying an earlier effective date as it does not meet the criteria.

The VA has determined that the veteran's service-connected right shoulder disability warrants a 30 percent rating, reflecting moderately severe muscle group I involvement.

The Board denied an increased rating for the veteran's service-connected right shoulder disability, finding that it did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The veteran's disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension on account of need for aid and attendance or being housebound.

The Board granted service connection for fibromyalgia, thoracic spine disorder (to include thoracic outlet syndrome), and residuals of a fracture of the left clavicle with impingement as secondary to the veteran's bilateral shoulder disabilities. The rating for right shoulder disability was increased from 20% to 30%, and the initial rating for bullous emphysema was increased to 60%. A temporary total disability evaluation for convalescence under 38 C.F.R. § 4.30 beyond October 31, 1992, was granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected left shoulder disability, finding that the evidence did not support an evaluation in excess of 30 percent.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a left hip condition claimed as secondary to her right calf scar. The RO also denied an increased rating for her right calf scar and service connection for hemorrhoids.

The Board has granted initial ratings of 50 percent for degenerative changes of the left shoulder and 40 percent for degenerative changes of the right shoulder, both under Diagnostic Code 5201.