Shoulder decisions — 2006

The Board found that the veteran's bilateral inguinal hernia residuals and right shoulder fracture residuals were not proximately due to or the result of a service-connected disability. Therefore, the claims for service connection were denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the claims can be fully considered. This includes providing proper VCAA notice, considering new regulations for skin disabilities, scheduling a VA examination for the left shoulder condition, and obtaining English translations of relevant Spanish documents.

The Board has determined that the veteran's post-operative degenerative joint disease of the right shoulder, with history of recurrent dislocations, does not warrant an evaluation in excess of 40 percent.

The Board granted a 40 percent evaluation for the lumbar spine disability from June 10, 2005. The right upper extremity radiculopathy was also granted as part of this decision.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating has been remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the severity of his right shoulder disorder, including functional impairment.

The Board has determined that the current medical evidence is insufficient to make a determination on whether the veteran currently suffers from chronic back and left shoulder disabilities, which are necessary for service connection. The case is being remanded for further examination and development.

The veteran did not meet the criteria for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 as he was not receiving or entitled to receive compensation for a service-connected disability rated totally disabling for at least 10 years immediately preceding his death.

The veteran's right shoulder disability is being remanded for further evaluation and rating consideration.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical examinations and records, as well as clarification of certain issues.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right shoulder disability, residuals of a lacerated right index finger, and hypertension are not service-connected. The decision on each issue is denied.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for duodenal ulcer, cold injury residuals, jaw disorder, deviated septum, and nerve injury to the neck and shoulder.

The Board has granted a higher initial disability rating of 40 percent for the right shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis with degenerative changes since the effective date of service connection.

The Board has decided that the veteran's claim of service connection for a bilateral shoulder condition must be remanded due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for left shoulder injury residuals and an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss disability.

The veteran's service-connected scar from a shell fragment wound to the right shoulder is characterized by pain and warrants a 10 percent initial evaluation.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right shoulder disability, finding that the evidence does not support a higher rating at any time during the period in question.

The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise, and thus service connection for a left shoulder disability (peritendinitis) is granted as secondary to the veteran's service-connected shell fragment wound.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left shoulder disorder, diagnosed as status post screw fixation of the left AC joint with degenerative joint disease and bursitis, was aggravated by service. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for left knee disorder, sinus disorder, and left shoulder disorder. The claim to reopen a right shoulder disability was also denied. An initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for major depressive disorder prior to February 25, 2002, and a compensable evaluation for the service-connected right wrist palsy were not granted.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and extraschedular ratings were granted, with a 40% rating assigned for the right shoulder disability.