Shoulder decisions — 2007

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and providing proper notice to the veteran.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and a need for further examination. The veteran's right shoulder disorder is being reviewed in relation to his service-connected left arm disorder.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected right arm and shoulder disabilities.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura and an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for left shoulder disability. The evidence did not establish current residuals or a recurrence of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right knee and right shoulder disabilities are not service-connected, as there is no evidence of chronic conditions related to service. The Board found that any current right knee disorder is more likely due to a post-service injury in 1977, while the right shoulder disability was first noted after 20 years following service.

The Board granted an increased disability rating of 10 percent for the veteran's service-connected left shoulder arthritis and left shoulder separation residuals (acromioclavicular joint reconstruction) prior to October 16, 2001.

The veteran's claim for increased ratings and a temporary total disability rating were denied. The case was remanded multiple times, but no further action has been taken.

The Board found no evidence of current heart murmur, hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux disease, or arthritis of the shoulders. The veteran's claims were denied as there is insufficient medical evidence to establish service connection for these conditions.

The Board found that the veteran currently does not have arthritis of the knees, shoulders, and ankles. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed disabilities of tinnitus, eye condition, right foot spur, low back disorder, and bilateral shoulder condition were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The claim for a higher initial rating for left ankle disability is referred to the RO.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for a chest disability, right elbow disability, left shoulder disability, or back disability. As such, these claims remain denied.

The veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, left shoulder disability, and colon polyps were granted. The claims for bowel obstruction, exposure to asbestos, shingles, and chest pain are not on appeal.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development due to outstanding medical records.

The veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, PTSD, and degenerative joint disease of the low back were denied. The claim for increased disability rating for shoulder arthritis was also denied.

The Board has ordered additional development due to the need for a VA examination and consideration of new evidence. The veteran's lumbar, cervical spine, and left shoulder disorders are being evaluated in light of their potential service connection.

The Board found that the veteran's death was not caused by any service-connected disability and denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service personnel records and medical records related to the veteran's claimed disabilities. The issues of entitlement to service connection for various conditions are being reviewed.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his left shoulder disability is being remanded due to the need for further examination and evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case due to several issues, including obtaining legible copies of medical records from Dr. E. M., providing a more thorough explanation for the denial of higher ratings, and sending VCAA notice.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of an injury to the head and shoulders, a right knee disorder, and a right fifth finger injury. The claim for a left foot disorder is remanded.