Shoulder decisions — 2006

The veteran's service-connected hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating. The initial and subsequent ratings for his left shoulder disability are denied as they do not meet the required criteria.

The Board found that the veteran did not have a chronic disability for which service connection could be granted, including left ear hearing loss, sinusitis, left knee and right knee disabilities, or right shoulder disability. The preponderance of evidence was against each claim.

The VA denied the appellant's request for a higher initial rating of his service-connected left shoulder dislocation with degenerative arthritis, as he is currently receiving a 20 percent disability rating.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional development of his medical records.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The veteran's claim for increased rating of PTSD is granted, and he remains rated at 30% for this condition.

The Board denied compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for right shoulder and cervical spine conditions, both of which were not found to be aggravated by VA treatment in April 1993.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to an inadequate VA examination report.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left arm and shoulder disability is not proximately due to or the result of his service-connected cervical spine disability, thus denying service connection for this condition.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions were denied. The Board found no evidence of current disabilities related to the claimed conditions, except for tinnitus which was established as being related to service.

The Board has determined that there is no current left shoulder or eye disability for which service connection can be granted. The veteran's claims of a low back disability are remanded due to conflicting medical evidence.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left shoulder disability and scar were not caused by VA carelessness, negligence, or lack of proper skill. Therefore, compensation benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 are denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right shoulder disability, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating during any of the periods under consideration.

The Board has determined that there is no current evidence of a service-connected disability for any of the conditions claimed, including right ear hearing loss, left shoulder, left ankle, neck, or bilateral knee disabilities. The veteran's claims are therefore denied.

The Board granted service connection for the veteran's heart condition and assigned a 10 percent rating for his right shoulder disorder. The heart condition is presumed to have first manifested during service, while the right shoulder disorder is rated based on its current functional impairment.

The Board found no evidence of chronic residuals for the claimed conditions and denied service connection.

The Board found that the veteran's left shoulder arthritis did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent, as his range of motion was not limited to less than 25 degrees from the side.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right shoulder condition is related to his military service and granted service connection for residuals of a right shoulder injury.

The VA denied the veteran's request for a higher rating for his right shoulder condition, finding that the evidence did not support a rating greater than 10 percent.

The Board and the RO have denied reopening of the veteran's claims for service connection due to lack of new and material evidence. The claims remain denied.