Shoulder decisions — 2005

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative disc disease of cervical and lumbar spine, degenerative disease of right shoulder and hands, and arthritis of left shoulder, hips, knees, and ankles. The issues of entitlement to service connection for degenerative disease of the right shoulder and hands, and arthritis of the left shoulder, hips, knees, and ankles are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the issue of an effective date earlier than February 8, 2001, for a 20 percent evaluation for internal derangement of the left knee with postoperative degenerative changes. The remaining issues were remanded for further development.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for left knee disorder, scoliosis, neck and shoulder spasms, back pain, and right wrist and hand disability. The evidence did not establish a direct relationship between these conditions and service or any service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the veteran's neurological impairment of left thoracic outlet syndrome, status post resection of first rib, does not warrant a higher rating than 40 percent. The left shoulder strain, minor extremity, is also rated at 30 percent.

The veteran's cervical arthritis is presumed to have been incurred during active military service. The right shoulder disorder and chronic rash (psoriasis) are not currently granted as service-connected.

The Board found that the veteran's right shoulder condition is not proximately due to or the result of his service-connected left shoulder condition, thus denying the claim for secondary service connection.

The VA determined that the veteran's right shoulder disability did not warrant an increased rating beyond noncompensable.