Shoulder decisions — 2006

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The veteran's claim for increased ratings and extension of a temporary total disability rating was denied by the RO.

The Board found that the veteran's right shoulder disorder did not clearly and unmistakably exist prior to his entry into service, but concluded that there was no evidence of a chronic condition during or after service. The Board also noted that the current diagnosed right shoulder disorders are not related to the veteran's period of active service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed disabilities are not related to his military service and have denied all of his claims.

The RO needs to address the veteran's claim for a rating for his right shoulder condition, which includes tendonitis, impingement, and adhesive capsulitis following an acromioplasty procedure. The case is being remanded due to procedural issues.

The veteran's service-connected left shoulder strain has been manifested by subjective complaints of pain and noncompensable limitation of motion, with normal X-ray films. The Board found that the schedular criteria for a compensable evaluation have not been met for any period from June 20, 2000, forward.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current neck, thoracic spine, lumbosacral spine, right knee, right shoulder, right hip, right calf, or right foot disability. The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not interfere with normal employment.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder, degenerative joint disease of the right shoulder, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus as there was no showing of current disability or evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's cervical spondylosis and left shoulder impingement syndrome with capsulitis are not service-connected, as they are not causally related to his military service or to his service-connected disabilities. The increased rating claims for cervical strain and left shoulder strain have also been denied.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for scheduling a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the RO.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of frostbite, a sleep disorder, blurred vision, and a left shoulder disability. The claim for Agent Orange exposure was not addressed as it is presumed to be associated with other conditions already granted.

The Board denied service connection for a neck and shoulder disorder and skin cancer of the left ear, finding no evidence to support these claims.

The Board found no evidence to support the veteran's claims for service connection of his low back, bilateral shoulder, and upper back/neck injuries. The VA examiner concluded that these conditions are not related to his military service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU and his increased rating for headaches. The case is being remanded to issue a Supplemental Statement of the Case on the increased rating for headaches.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed left arm, shoulder, and elbow disorder and chronic vertigo are not service-connected. The evaluation for his service-connected wrist injury is also denied.

The Board has determined that the effective dates for service connection of the veteran's claimed disabilities cannot be earlier than March 22, 2001 as no claims were received prior to this date.

The Board is remanding the case to allow for further development and readjudication of the appellant's claims, including providing VCAA notice.

The veteran's cervical spine and knee disabilities are granted with a 10% rating, while his left shoulder disability is service-connected. Right ear hearing loss is also found to be service-connected.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral wrist and shoulder disabilities, finding that there was no evidence of a direct relationship between his military service and these conditions.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a right shoulder disability and for an increased rating for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine.