Shoulder decisions — 2006

The veteran's right and left shoulder disorders are currently rated at 10 percent, with pain and limited motion to approximately shoulder height.

The VA has determined that the veteran's service-connected right shoulder, lower back, and gastritis conditions do not warrant an increased rating above their current levels.

The veteran's service-connected degenerative joint disease of the shoulders is granted. The claims for blurred vision and skin rashes are denied.

The Board granted a 30 percent rating for Osgood-Schlatter disease of the left knee since January 1, 2001. The effective date is set at January 1, 2001.

The Board has granted increased ratings for the veteran's left shoulder and cervical spine disabilities, with a rating of 40 percent each.

The veteran's initial claim for a higher evaluation for his left shoulder injury was denied, as the evidence did not support an evaluation in excess of 10 percent from September 10, 2001 to June 14, 2005. After that date, he was granted a 20 percent evaluation for minor upper arm instability and limitation of motion.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for herniated disk of the lumbar spine with lumbosacral strain and residuals of a head injury with memory loss, finding that new and material evidence was submitted.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for arthritis of the back and shoulders due to new medical evidence. The current disability is established, but there is insufficient evidence linking it to active service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for defective hearing, a back disorder, a dermatological disorder involving the feet and body (claimed as chloracne), visual impairment, bilateral hip and knee disorders, a bilateral shoulder disorder, a neck disorder, a hand and fingers disorder, and a bilateral leg disorder. The Board found that there was no evidence of chronicity for these conditions post-service and concluded that service connection is not warranted.

The veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities was denied as his combined evaluation of 40% does not meet the schedular requirements for assignment of a total disability rating. The RO considered whether he is unemployable solely due to his service-connected disabilities, but found that his occupational impairment is primarily due to non-service connected disabilities.

The Board found no current diagnosis of a left shoulder disability and denied service connection for the veteran's claimed condition. The claim for an increased evaluation for lumbar strain was also denied as there is no evidence of a current disability.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining medical records and verifying the submission of a letter from a fellow serviceman.

The veteran's appeals for higher ratings for myofascial pain syndrome of the right shoulder, traumatic arthritis of the cervical spine, and lumbosacral strain have been denied. The current ratings are considered appropriate based on the evidence provided.

The Board denied an increased rating for the veteran's service-connected residuals of a fractured left fifth metatarsal and did not address the claim for service connection for postoperative scar of the left shoulder.

The Board denied an increased rating for the veteran's service-connected post-operative residuals of a chronic right shoulder dislocation, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating than the current 20 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for residuals of shell fragment wounds to his left shoulder and arm, finding that there is no evidence of any current functional impairment or limitation of motion attributable to these service-connected conditions.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of her service connection claims, including obtaining Reserve records and any relevant post-service medical records.

The veteran's claim for nonservice-connected pension benefits has been granted due to his age, disability severity, and inability to work. The other issues related to service connection have not yet been addressed.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the veteran's claim of service connection for a right shoulder disorder. The case is now remanded for further development, including scheduling an examination.

The Board found that the veteran's arthritis of the right shoulder, bilateral knees, hands, wrists, and hips were not incurred or aggravated by service. The claim for arthritis of the low back was remanded.