Shoulder decisions — 2004

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, finding that he does not meet the minimum percentage requirements and that his TDIU should be considered under the procedures set forth in section 4.16(b) for veterans who are unemployable by reason of service connected disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left shoulder disability warrants a 30 percent evaluation, effective from the date of the decision.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a chronic left shoulder disorder, which was previously denied in December 1982.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected conjunctivitis and acne vulgaris, finding that there was no evidence of active conjunctivitis or significant impairment.

The Board has reviewed new evidence submitted since the April 2001 denial and finds it does not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death.

The Board found no current evidence of a bilateral shoulder disorder and denied the claim for service connection.

The Board denied service connection for a cervical spine disorder, and denied compensable ratings for residuals of a shell fragment wound of the right shoulder and bilateral hearing loss.

The veteran's appeals for service connection and increased evaluations are being remanded due to procedural issues, including the need for VCAA compliance and additional development of evidence.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to a failure to comply with VCAA notice requirements. The claim for service connection for a left shoulder disability will be reviewed again after ensuring compliance with these requirements.

The veteran's right shoulder shell fragment wound residuals are rated at 30 percent, and the scar on his forearm is not compensable.

The veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and forwarding a VA Form 21-8940 to the veteran. The RO must ensure compliance with VCAA notice requirements.

The Board denied an increased rating for the veteran's service-connected residuals of a gunshot wound to the left shoulder, currently evaluated as 10 percent disabling.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for his left shoulder disability due to failure to report for scheduled VA examinations without good cause.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a left shoulder disability, finding no evidence linking his current condition to his active duty service.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current right ankle disability and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied. The claims of service connection for left ankle arthritis and right shoulder disability were previously denied in March 1991 and December 1991 respectively, and are now being reconsidered on their merits.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations and a review of the claims folder.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional notification and evidence.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension benefits due to the need for regular aid and attendance of another person was denied as he does not meet the criteria set forth in VA regulations.

The VA denied an increased rating for the veteran's left shoulder shrapnel wound, currently rated at 20 percent.