Shoulder decisions — 2004

The VA denied service connection for degenerative arthritis of the elbows and shoulder pain, finding no evidence linking these conditions to military service.,Service connection was also denied for an acquired psychiatric disorder manifested by insomnia. The VA found that there is insufficient evidence to link this condition to military service.

The Board found that the appellant does not have a current left shoulder disability and that any in-service injury was acute and transitory, unrelated to his active military service. As such, the claim for service connection for left shoulder disability is denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for his right shoulder disability and a TDIU rating, finding that the evidence did not support entitlement to these benefits.

The Board found no relationship between the veteran's current bilateral shoulder disability and his service-connected bilateral plantar callosities with hammer toed deformity and hallux valgus deformity (foot disability).

The Board has granted increased ratings for several service-connected disabilities, bringing the combined rating to 60 percent. The veteran's disabilities now preclude him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 50 percent for migraine headaches has been granted, effective from the date of the decision.

The veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine disabilities as well as his residuals of shell fragment wounds of the left and right shoulders.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to properly address the veteran's claim of entitlement to a left shoulder disability, including determining if any current disability is due to a congenital defect or injury sustained in service.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected right shoulder disability was denied by the RO. The issue is currently on appeal.

The Board found that the veteran's service connection claim for a left shoulder disorder was not warranted due to lack of evidence linking his current condition to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right shoulder disability does not warrant a rating higher than 10 percent. The issues of service connection for heart disease and entitlement to increased evaluation for right shoulder disability with rotator cuff tendonitis are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Board has granted a higher rating of 30 percent for residuals of a right wrist injury, effective from the date of the decision.

The veteran is seeking an increased evaluation for his service-connected right shoulder disability, which currently receives a 30 percent rating. The VA has not obtained all of the veteran's medical records from June 2000 and needs to obtain these records before making a decision on his claim.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a back disorder and denied all other claims due to lack of evidence linking the claimed conditions to active service.

The veteran's disabilities, including a CVA with left hemiparesis (30%), arthritis of the shoulders, knees, and lumbar spine (10%), and hypertension (10%), do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension benefits based on need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right shoulder disability, which is currently manifested by painful motion and functional impairment with limited range of motion, does not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development due to incomplete information and need for a VA examination.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the case can be decided. This includes obtaining updated medical examinations and ensuring proper VCAA notification.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA examination to determine if the veteran's current left shoulder disability is related to his service-connected right knee replacement.

The veteran's left shoulder disability, which includes dislocation and postoperative repair, is currently rated at 20% but the Board has determined that a higher rating of 30% is warranted based on daily flare-ups with pain causing limitation of motion and functional impairment.