Shoulder decisions — 2004

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a head injury, right shoulder disability, and neck disability. The decision also found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the claim for residuals of a head injury.

The veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for sinusitis, left shoulder disorder, and right ear hearing loss were denied by the RO.

The Board has dismissed the veteran's appeal due to his withdrawal of the appeal prior to a decision being made.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for hypertensive heart disease and myositis of the right shoulder are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records from identified providers.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining medical records and employment-related records.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to incomplete notification and evidence, particularly regarding medical records from service.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for chronic left shoulder disorder, chronic leg disorder, and chronic headaches. However, it denied service connection for a chronic neck disorder, lymph node disorder, lymphoma, liver disorder, and hypertension as there is no evidence of these conditions during or immediately after military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder bursitis, joint pain of the hands and left shoulder due to an undiagnosed illness. The decision also noted that her initial claim for a compensable rating for her left knee disability was granted.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for chest pain and headaches, as well as his increased rating claims. The veteran is not entitled to these benefits based on the evidence of record.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for low back disorder and right shoulder bursitis, finding new and material evidence. The rating of 20 percent for residuals of a right knee injury with tear of the lateral meniscus remains unchanged.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a left shoulder disability and an increased rating for his right radial nerve palsy. The evidence did not support a finding of chronic left shoulder disability related to service, nor was there sufficient medical evidence linking the current right radial nerve palsy to service.

The veteran's claims for higher ratings for his shoulder disabilities and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability have been denied due to the lack of evidence showing that he is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board found that the veteran's current bilateral shoulder disability is not related to his military service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions have been denied. The intertwined claim of secondary service connection for herniated nucleus pulposus of the lumbar spine with radiation to the lower extremities must be addressed first.

The Board has granted an initial 10 percent evaluation for the veteran's right shoulder hypertrophy and partial tear of the supraspinatus and subscapular muscles, effective from December 31, 2001. The left ankle fracture with surgical repair and degenerative changes is rated as non-compensably disabling (zero percent) since December 31, 2001, until August 1, 2003, when it was re-evaluated to a 20 percent rating.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling examinations to determine the nature and etiology of the veteran's claimed conditions.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim of service connection for left shoulder disability and found that new evidence submitted since the April 2000 RO decision raises a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right shoulder disability, manifested by residuals of thoracic outlet syndrome, is due to a disease or injury incurred in service. However, there is no evidence of a current left shoulder disorder due to an event or incident in service.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his postoperative residuals arthroscopy of the left (minor) shoulder is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining records from Dr. Rosen and scheduling a VA orthopedic examination.

The Board has granted service connection for right hip strain and denied service connection for the other conditions. The veteran's current diagnoses of right hip strain are supported by his in-service treatment records, which indicate recurrent right hip pain.