Shoulder decisions — 2004

The RO denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including PTSD, a low disability (likely referring to low back disability), hearing loss, lung disease (including asthma), urethral stricture, migraine headaches, arthritis of the left shoulder, bilateral knee disorder, and sinusitis. The denial is final as it was made in August 2001.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions have been denied as there is no evidence to support the presence of these conditions during his active military service.

The Board found that an earlier effective date for the awards of compensable disability ratings for the veteran's service-connected left knee and left shoulder disabilities could not be assigned within the bounds of governing law and regulation.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current left shoulder disorder, including impingement and a torn rotator cuff, was incurred during his active duty service in April 2001. The injury occurred while he was on inactive duty training with the Alabama Army National Guard.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and an earlier effective date were denied. The Board also reopened the claim for service connection for cervical disc disease with headaches, but denied a higher initial rating.

The Board has granted an increased rating to 20 percent for the veteran's service-connected prostatitis and urethritis, effective from when the condition was first noted. The other issues remain pending.

The veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 due to endoscopic procedures is being remanded for additional development, including possible examination.

The case is being remanded to the RO for compliance with VCAA requirements and additional development. The veteran's claims will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to service connection for various conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder and dysthymic disorder. The appeal is pending further development.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder and left knee disorders, finding that new and material evidence was not submitted to reopen these claims. The Board also found no nexus between the current conditions and service.

The veteran is granted special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his multiple service-connected disabilities, including degenerative joint disease of various joints and arrhythmia. He does not meet criteria for housebound status.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim of service connection for a right shoulder disorder due to new and material evidence, and finds that the disability was incurred in service.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied, and he did not have any pending claims for non-service connected pension benefits. As a result, the appellant is not entitled to accrued benefits.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 due to lack of well-groundedness, and after reopening based on VCAA provisions, the case was remanded for additional development.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination and additional VCAA notification.

The veteran has been granted service connection for polyarthralgia involving the left hip, shoulders, and left elbow. This condition was first manifested during his military service.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected right shoulder disability is being remanded to the RO for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling an examination.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD, myopic astigmatism, headaches, shoulder aches (claimed as muscle aches), rectal bleeding, and upset stomach. However, it denied these claims on their merits.

The veteran is seeking a higher initial disability rating for his service-connected left shoulder condition, which was initially granted in the February 2001 rating decision. The Board has remanded the case to allow for further examination and development of evidence.

The Board has granted increased ratings for the veteran's service-connected osteochondritis dissecans of the right and left knees, with a 30 percent rating assigned for each knee.