Shoulder decisions — 2004

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and evaluation of the veteran's left shoulder disability, including obtaining additional medical records and arranging for a VA examination.

The VA determined that the veteran's right shoulder disability, which includes a separation and resection of the distal clavicle, does not warrant an evaluation higher than 30 percent.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claims for service connection for a left shoulder condition, nicotine dependency, and sinus headaches. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and ensure compliance with VCAA requirements.

The Board found that the appellant's preexisting right shoulder disorder existed prior to service and did not increase in severity during his period of active duty for training, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The veteran is not entitled to a second allowance for an automobile conveyance as he had already received such a benefit in 1968.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current heart disorder, back disability, neck disability, bilateral shoulder disability, or residuals of asbestos exposure. The claim for PTSD is denied as there is no credible evidence supporting the occurrence of an in-service stressor.

The appellant is seeking a higher initial evaluation for his service-connected right shoulder impingement, currently rated at 10 percent. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the current severity of his condition.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left hip, low back, and right shoulder disorders are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current left shoulder symptoms are likely a result of an inservice injury in 1995, granting service connection for residuals of a left shoulder injury.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the M&ROC for clarification and initial consideration of his claims, including skin cancer which was not addressed in the previous rating decision.

The veteran seeks service connection for a left shoulder disability, including arthritis. The RO has remanded the case to obtain additional medical records and provide an examination to determine if his current condition is related to service or his service-connected residuals of a fracture of the left forearm.

The Board has granted service connection for generalized joint pain of the shoulders and wrists due to an undiagnosed illness, finding that these conditions are related to service. The wrists issue is pending as there are no significant findings in the record.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for a back disorder. The veteran's current medical records, including those from Dr. Skinner, indicate possible links between his current musculoskeletal complaints and his military experience in Vietnam. However, additional development is needed to determine if these conditions are causally related to his active service.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and a need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting examinations.

The VA has determined that the veteran's traumatic arthritis of the right shoulder AC joint does not warrant a higher rating based on current evidence and regulations.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to VCAA compliance issues.

The veteran's lumbosacral strain with a fracture at L1 is rated as 30 percent disabling, and his right shoulder injury is rated as 10 percent disabling. The RO must remand the case for further development to obtain medical records and ensure compliance with VCAA requirements.

The Board denied the veteran's request to reopen his claim of entitlement to service connection for a right shoulder disability, finding that new and material evidence had not been received.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations for cervical spine and left shoulder disabilities have been denied. The RO has assigned the highest possible schedular ratings based on the severity of his conditions.

The Board finds that the veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and residuals of right shoulder injury are related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The claims for service connection are granted.