Shoulder decisions — 2006

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for knee disabilities on a direct basis and for shoulder and headache disabilities on a secondary basis. The decision also addressed an increased evaluation for cervical spine disability.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for further development, including obtaining Social Security Administration and VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Education records. The veteran's initial claim of a higher evaluation for his right shoulder disability prior to June 7, 1997 is being reviewed, as well as his claim for an increased rating from that date forward.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected conditions, except for his loss of use of both hands due to Dupuytren's contractures, do not require regular aid and attendance.

The veteran's service-connected thoracic outlet syndrome of the right shoulder warrants a 40 percent rating, but no higher. The veteran's bilateral hearing loss and excision of the superficial peroneal nerve neuroma of the left ankle do not warrant compensable ratings. The veteran's post operative plantar fasciotomy of the left foot, carpal tunnel syndromes (right and left), and lumbar spine disorder are all rated at 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left shoulder disability warrants an initial 10 percent evaluation, effective May 24, 1995, and a subsequent 20 percent rating, effective May 18, 2005.

The Board has determined that the veteran now has left shoulder bursitis, rotator cuff dysfunction, and tendonitis; left wrist DeQuervain's tendonitis; and bilateral foot metatarsalgia. These conditions are considered to be related to service.

The VA denied the claim for service connection of a right shoulder condition, finding no evidence linking current shoulder impingement syndrome to military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an initial compensable evaluation for right ear hearing loss and service connection for left ear hearing loss, recurring warts of the hands and genital region, and a left shoulder disability. The right shoulder disability claim is pending.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination and obtaining all relevant medical records.

The veteran's knee disabilities are rated based on instability and arthritis. The forehead bump is not considered a service-connected condition, while the right shoulder and thoracic spine conditions are secondary to his knee disabilities.,Service connection for the forehead lump, right shoulder disorder, and thoracic spine disability cannot be established as they are not found to be related to the veteran's service-connected bilateral knee disabilities.

The veteran's claim for service connection was denied as he did not have the required wartime service to qualify for VA pension benefits. The claims for bilateral shoulder disorder, diabetes mellitus with complications of hypertension and a heart condition, and an innocently acquired psychiatric disorder are remanded for further development.

The VA determined that the veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, and thus denied his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional development and consideration of the appellant's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for residuals of a left shoulder injury.

The Board found no entitlement to a higher than the current 20 percent disability rating for the veteran's left (minor) shoulder disability.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him helpless and in danger in his daily environment, requiring the regular assistance of another individual on a daily basis to accomplish personal self-care. Therefore, special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance or housebound status is not warranted.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination and proper VCAA notice.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including upper back/shoulder disability, bilateral knee and elbow disabilities, skin disorder of the hands and fingernails, and deformities of the right hand. The decision is based on a lack of evidence linking these conditions to military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to a procedural issue and will be returned to the RO for further action.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a current examination of his musculoskeletal disabilities. The case will be returned to the Board if further action is required.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have current hearing loss or tinnitus disabilities for which service connection can be granted. The claim for a left shoulder disorder is also denied as there is no evidence of a direct relationship to service.