Shoulder decisions — 2006

The Board denied increased ratings for the left shoulder disability and service connection for a back disorder, but granted service connection for fungal dermatitis of the feet. The veteran's left shoulder disability is currently rated as 20 percent disabling.

The Board has determined that the veteran sustained shoulder injuries during active duty, which currently persist. Service connection for right and left shoulder disabilities is granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral pes planus, low back disability, bilateral knee disability, brain tumor, headaches, and bilateral shoulder disability. The evidence submitted since the initial denial was not considered material to reopen the claim of service connection for bilateral pes planus.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right shoulder disorder and cervical spine arthritis, finding no entitlement to a higher rating based on the evidence of record.

The Board found that the veteran's disabilities do not render him unable to care for most of his daily needs without requiring A&A, and he is neither bedridden nor a patient in a nursing home. Therefore, the criteria for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance (A&A) or housebound status are not met.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and need for further examination regarding service connection for left shoulder and neck injuries.

The VA determined that the veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render her unemployable, as she is able to work part-time and attend school.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral leg and shoulder conditions, as well as her increased rating claim for residuals of right breast lumpectomy with scar. The evidence did not support a current diagnosis of chronic disabilities in these areas.

The veteran requested to withdraw his appeal, and the Board dismissed it.

The Board has granted a 40% evaluation for the service-connected right shoulder rotator cuff tear, effective from November 1, 1998. The temporary total rating based on convalescence is extended until October 31, 1998.

The Board has remanded the case for a travel board hearing and further development. The veteran's appeal is not yet decided.

The Board has determined that the veteran's cervical spine, left shoulder, and left hand disabilities are not proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected residuals of a fractured left ring finger. Therefore, these claims for service connection have been denied.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for asbestosis, COPD, left shoulder disability, right shoulder disability, and bilateral hearing loss. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated during active military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that his scars did not meet criteria for higher ratings and that there was insufficient evidence to establish a secondary service connection for a heart disorder.

The Board finds that the veteran's current multiple joint pains and weakness of the legs and left arm were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The preponderance of evidence is against her claim.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased rating and service connection for cervical spine disability and left shoulder disability due to lack of evidence supporting a direct relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right shoulder injury, residual scar of the right foot, residuals of a left leg (calf) scar, and residual scar of the left thigh as there was no evidence showing that he met the criteria for higher disability ratings under the applicable rating criteria.

The Board has determined that the veteran is entitled to special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his multiple disabilities, including chronic low back pain, cerebrovascular accident, seizures, high blood pressure, diverticulosis of the colon, glaucoma, cataracts, prostate cancer, arthritis, renal lithiasis, and myocardial infarcts. The decision is based on the veteran's need for regular aid and assistance due to his disabilities.

The Board has granted the veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, right shoulder disability, and left ankle sprain. The veteran is also entitled to a compensable evaluation for snapping tendons in his left foot.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the veteran's death, and no jurisdiction remains for adjudicating the merits of the claim.