Shoulder decisions — 2004

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including insomnia, a right shoulder disability, hypertension, and low back and left shoulder disabilities. The evidence did not support current diagnoses or show in-service onset or aggravation of these conditions.

The veteran's osteoarthritis of the spine, shoulders, hands, knees, wrists, hips, and right foot was found to be directly related to his service. The muscle pain and joint pain noted in his April 1991 examination are considered as part of this condition.

The Board has denied reopening of claims for service connection for right knee, left hand, and left leg disabilities. The claim for service connection for a left shoulder disability is reopened based on new evidence provided by the veteran.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound due to his service-connected disabilities, as well as his non-service-connected conditions. The RO previously granted a non-service-connected pension.

The Board granted an increased rating of 20 percent for residuals of a left shoulder separation, effective April 8, 2002. The veteran's claim remains in appellate status as the RO has not yet issued a final decision.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a left shoulder disability and increased evaluations for his right and left knee conditions. The evidence did not support a finding of a current left shoulder disability related to military service.

The Board found that the veteran's right shoulder condition did not warrant a higher rating, as his arm motion was more nearly approximated to midway between the side and shoulder than it was to 25 degrees from the side.

The VA determined that there is no evidence of a current disability related to the veteran's service, and thus denied his claim for residuals of a left shoulder injury.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim of service connection for a bilateral shoulder condition, but denied any request for an increased disability rating.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been presented to reopen the veteran's claims for service connection for multiple arthralgias, a neuropsychiatric disorder, and chronic bronchitis. The RO decisions denying these claims are final.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and providing notice of what evidence is needed to substantiate his claims.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for service-connected left shoulder strain, right great toe strain, and patellofemoral pain syndrome of the left knee. The issues of disability evaluations for cervical and lumbosacral strain and service connection for chest pain are remanded to the RO.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current degenerative joint disease of the right shoulder is not related to his military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a new VA examination and reviewing the veteran's claims file to ensure all relevant evidence has been considered.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his incarceration, preventing him from undergoing a VA examination. The case will be reconsidered with the possibility of granting TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain the veteran's medical records and ensure compliance with duty-to-assist requirements.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a chronic spine disorder and a chronic shoulder and arm disorder to include arthritis. The appeal is remanded for further development.

The Board found that the veteran does not have an employment handicap and is already suitably employed, thus denying his claim for vocational rehabilitation training.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim and determined that new evidence supports reopening, but still denies service connection for a right shoulder disability.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder as secondary to the veteran's service-connected bilateral shoulder impingement syndrome.