Shoulder decisions — 2006

The Board denied the veteran's claim to reopen his claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151, finding that new and material evidence had not been received.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for a higher rating for myalgia of the trapezius muscles of the shoulder girdle, finding that his symptoms are not attributable to his service-connected disability but instead to injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis of multiple joints and a right shoulder disability, but further development is needed to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating from 10 percent for a left shoulder scar was dismissed as he did not file a timely substantive appeal.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including hypertension, arthritis of the right knee, shoulder and bicep disorders, prostate disorder, rib injury, respiratory disorder, and macular cyst. The reasons given are that there is no medical evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the veteran's claims for service connection of low back, right shoulder, and right hip disabilities. The RO previously denied these claims in September 2000 due to lack of evidence linking current disabilities to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left shoulder disability, which is primarily manifested by pain and frequent flare-ups preventing overhead activities, does not warrant a higher evaluation than the current 20 percent rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral shoulder disabilities and low back disability are related to his active service, specifically his parachute jumping in service and his service-connected right below-the-knee amputation. As a result, the claims for these conditions have been granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's back and left shoulder condition, right foot disability, and left foot disability are not service-connected or warrant compensable ratings prior to March 4, 2003.

The Board has determined that there is no competent evidence linking the veteran's left shoulder and neck disabilities, to include arthritis, to any incident of service or a service-connected disability. As such, service connection for these conditions cannot be granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis of bilateral shoulder, elbows, knees, and legs, liver dysfunction (to include as secondary to diabetes mellitus), and laceration to the penis. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by active duty service.

The Board denied service connection for vertigo and PTSD, but granted a 30% rating for PTSD. The issues of entitlement to increased ratings for PTSD and TDIU are not currently resolved.

The veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 is denied because the program he participated in is not covered by the statute.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his right shoulder disability, finding that an evaluation in excess of 10 percent from August 10, 2001 to December 30, 2004 and an evaluation in excess of 20 percent on and after December 30, 2004 is not warranted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to failure to report for VA examinations, rescheduling of hearing, and submission of new evidence. The veteran's right knee disability may be related to his service-connected left knee disability.

The Board found that the veteran's claimed conditions are not service-connected and denied his claims for service connection.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The veteran's initial evaluation for tinnitus was denied as there is no legal basis to grant a higher rating. The issue of his right shoulder disability remains pending and will be remanded.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his right shoulder injury, as he did not have limitation of motion between the side and shoulder level.

The veteran's claim for service connection for chronic prostatitis is granted. The Board finds that the veteran has a current diagnosis of chronic prostatitis and there is sufficient evidence to establish continuity of symptoms since discharge from military service.