Shoulder decisions — 2004

The Board finds that the veteran's claims for service connection and effective dates are granted. Effective from December 22, 2000, he is entitled to service connection for right ear hearing loss, left ear hearing loss, otitis media, perforation of tympanic membranes (both ears), respiratory disorder (claimed as breathing problems), residuals of rib fractures, sinusitis, and a left shoulder disability.

The Board found that the veteran's current low back and right shoulder conditions are not related to his service, thus denying his claims for service connection.

Service connection for numbness of the hands and feet, joint pain of the shoulders, loss of smell, change in taste, dry mouth, eye condition (floaters), and cold and flu symptoms to include night sweats and susceptibility to infections was denied.,The skin condition was granted service connection.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected wound, Muscle Group II, left shoulder is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and evaluations.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a chronic acquired disorder of the left knee, right shoulder and neck, or low back, hip, and buttock that is related to service. The claims are therefore denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for right great toe disability, right shoulder dislocation, sinusitis, and epididymitis. The decision also found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen these claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his service-connected right and left shoulder injuries, as well as lumbosacral strain. The denial was based on the veteran's failure to report for a scheduled VA examination.

The Board has granted an increased evaluation of 20 percent for the veteran's residuals of acromioclavicular separation, right shoulder (minor), with traumatic arthritis. The claim for an increase in the evaluation for eczema of the left hand with postoperative warts is denied as there are no current symptoms or manifestations.

The veteran's claims of entitlement to increased evaluations for limpomata, bilateral plantar calluses, and right ear hearing loss are dismissed due to failure to file timely substantive appeals.,The veteran's claim of entitlement to an evaluation in excess of zero percent disabling prior to August 2002 for limboma is dismissed due to failure to file a timely substantive appeal.,The veteran's claim of entitlement to increased evaluations for bilateral plantar calluses and right ear hearing loss are dismissed due to failure to file timely substantive appeals.,The veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a right shoulder disorder is denied as there is no evidence linking the condition to active service or any other basis.,The veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for hiatal hernia and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are dismissed due to failure to file timely substantive appeals.,The veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for hiatal hernia and/or GERD is denied as there is no evidence linking the condition to active service or any other basis.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess his left shoulder condition.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete notification and evidence collection, as well as potential errors in the current rating decision.

The Board has determined that the appellant's current right shoulder impingement syndrome and right elbow epicondylitis are caused by her service-connected right wrist disability, warranting service connection for these conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an initial disability evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his right (major) shoulder degenerative joint disease with bursitis.

The Board found that the February 1997 motor vehicle accident was caused by the veteran's alcohol intoxication and constitutes willful misconduct, thus not incurred in the line of duty.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder and left shoulder disorder, finding no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his service-connected bilateral varicose veins or any other service event. The claim for an increased rating for bilateral varicose veins remains pending.

VA denied the veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for arterial hypertension, migraine headache with post-traumatic exacerbation, PTSD, peptic ulcer disease and hepatitis C, right shoulder pain, tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, facial and scalp rash, and sinusitis and rhinitis.,VA denied the veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder pain, tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, facial and scalp rash, and sinusitis and rhinitis. However, VA granted service connection for PTSD and assigned a 10 percent evaluation effective August 1, 2000.,VA denied the veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for peptic ulcer disease and hepatitis C.

The Board denied service connection for a left shoulder disability and liver disorder both claimed as secondary to the veteran's service-connected seizure disorder due to lack of evidence showing these conditions are related to his service-connected condition.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral pes planus and left shoulder disorder do not meet or approximate the criteria for a compensable rating under VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities. Therefore, the claims for higher initial ratings are denied.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, finding no evidence of current disabilities or a link to service.

The veteran's right wrist disorder is asymptomatic, while his right shoulder disorder is manifested by pain with abduction to 85 degrees. His service-connected right wrist and shoulder disorders are rated as 10 percent disabling.