Shoulder decisions — 2006

The veteran's right (major) shoulder disability is currently rated at 20 percent under Diagnostic Code 5024-5201. The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for the condition.

The Board has vacated its previous decision and is now remanding the case for further development, including scheduling a VA examination to determine the onset date or etiology of any low back and left shoulder disabilities, as well as the current severity of service-connected patellofemoral pain syndrome of the knees and right ankle. The veteran must also be provided with proper VCAA notice.

The veteran's claims for service connection and initial ratings for his orthopedic disabilities were denied. The Board found that the veteran failed to report for a VA examination scheduled in June 2003, which was deemed necessary to determine entitlement to compensable ratings.

The Board denied the claims of service connection for left knee, back, and left shoulder disabilities due to lack of evidence establishing a direct link between these conditions and service.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant, resulting in the dismissal of his case.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right ankle fracture and right shoulder acromioclavicular joint separation, finding that the current ratings of 20 percent were appropriate.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current left shoulder disorder is not related to his military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found that the veteran does not have a current neck disability and denied his claim for service connection. The right shoulder issue is pending, with an initial evaluation of medial border scapular syndrome also under consideration.

The Board has determined that the veteran's cervical spine disability, including radiculopathy to both shoulders and arms, was incurred during service due to a combat injury. Service connection is granted for this condition.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for a compensable initial disability rating for traumatic arthritis of the right shoulder and service connection for numbness in fingertips, right hand.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection for Reiter's disease and related conditions was denied as the earliest date of claim is February 12, 2003.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for left shoulder arthritis and ulnar nerve palsy and CTS, finding no evidence of current disability or a causal relationship to his service-connected condition. The claim for an increased rating was also denied.

The veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for his right shoulder strain with impingement and tendonitis of the left Achilles tendon were denied. The evidence did not support a higher rating based on moderate limitation of motion.

The veteran's claim for a TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional information and evidence regarding his service-connected disabilities and their impact on his employability.

The Board found no evidence of hearing loss or tinnitus in service, and the medical evidence does not link current bilateral hearing loss or tinnitus to service. The veteran's left shoulder disability is rated as moderately severe to severe functional disability.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for a hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Board finds that the veteran has chronic bilateral tennis elbow related to his military service. However, there is no evidence supporting a current diagnosis of arthritis in the shoulders and hips bilaterally as they were not present during or after service.

The veteran seeks an increased rating for her service-connected right shoulder disability, which is currently rated at 10 percent. The RO has ordered a remand to obtain the veteran's complete service medical records and schedule her for an examination during a flare-up of her right shoulder disability.

The Board denied service connection for liver damage due to INH therapy, chronic respiratory disorder (bronchitis), acromioclavicular degenerative changes of the left shoulder, and temporomandibular joint syndrome. The decision is considered final as there was no clear and unmistakable error.

The Board finds that the veteran's low back disability is service-connected and grants a compensable rating. The bilateral shoulder arthritis is not service-connected. The tonsillectomy residuals are rated at the maximum available under VA regulations.