Shoulder decisions — 2005

The veteran's initial claim for a higher evaluation of his left shoulder disability was granted with a 10% rating effective July 11, 2000. A subsequent increase to 20% was granted from February 1, 2003 onwards.

The veteran's right shoulder injury, resulting from carelessness in VA treatment or an unforeseeable event during physical therapy at a VA facility, is deemed to be directly related to the service-connected condition and thus compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for additional disability is granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a right shoulder disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for a right shoulder condition, and the issue is remanded for further development.

The veteran's symptoms of fatigue, loss of energy, joint discomfort (neck, low back, right shoulder), memory loss, headaches, anxiety, fevers, skin rash, boils, and disability secondary to reaction to chemicals are not considered service-connected due to lack of evidence supporting their causation by an undiagnosed illness. Service connection is granted for neck, back, and right shoulder discomfort as manifestations of an undiagnosed illness.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of low back, left shoulder, and neck injuries, finding that there was no persuasive medical nexus evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The VA has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected left shoulder disorder and low back strain, as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The veteran's claims for service connection for a rash on the left arm, sores of skin (chest, shoulders, and back), and memory loss were denied as these conditions are not related to his active military service or undiagnosed illness in the Gulf War.

The veteran's CREST syndrome is productive of moderate impairment of health, with occasional attacks of blanching or painful hands and esophageal stricture. The RO granted a 60 percent evaluation for the disability.

The veteran's major depression is service-connected as secondary to his service-connected residuals of an amputation of the left thumb. The cervical spine and left shoulder disabilities are not service-connected, but are considered secondary to his service-connected residuals of a partial amputation of the left thumb.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection of a right shoulder disorder and an increased rating for his left ankle disability. The veteran's current diagnoses were not related to service, and he did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence sufficient to reopen the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a head concussion, back injury with arthritis, ankle disability, right elbow injury, or right shoulder injury has not been received.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including knee, ankle, shoulder, and body cramps disorders that were not found to be related to his service-connected pulmonary sarcoidosis. The cardiovascular disorders were also not granted as secondary to sarcoidosis.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disorder, right eye disability manifested by loss of vision, and bilateral shoulder disability due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The VA determined that the veteran's left shoulder tendonitis does not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current cervical or lumbar spine disorder, right knee or right leg disorder, or left shoulder disorder that is related to his period of service. The VA examiner found no link between any current disabilities and the veteran's service-connected residuals of a left femur fracture.

The VA granted service connection for the veteran's right shoulder disability, but denied an increased rating in excess of 20 percent prior to August 11, 2004. The RO also granted a 30 percent rating effective from August 11, 2004.

The Board found that the veteran's postoperative right shoulder dislocation did not meet or approximate the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's residuals of a right shoulder arthrotomy warrant an increased rating to 30 percent, effective from when the claim was filed.

The Board found that the veteran's left shoulder dislocations do not warrant a rating higher than 20 percent, as they are manifested by recurrent dislocations with slight atrophy of the deltoid muscle but without significant joint abnormalities or limitation of motion.