Shoulder decisions — 2007

The veteran's back disability was rated at 20% prior to March 11, 2003 and increased to 40% beginning from that date. The left shoulder strain was rated at 30%. Both ratings are granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his service-connected low back disorder, left shoulder disorder, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, right femur fracture, and left femur fracture. The neuropathy of the lower right leg was also not granted a separate evaluation.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for VCAA compliance and verification of hearing request.

The Board found that the veteran did not have a current right shoulder disorder and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for cervical and thoracic spine disorders, right shoulder disorder, left shoulder disorder, and left hip disorder as secondary to his service-connected low back strain.

The Board found that the veteran's chronic left shoulder disability was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and denied his claim.

The veteran is seeking an earlier effective date for his 20% evaluation of the right ankle fracture and increased evaluations for both his right ankle and left shoulder disabilities. The case has been remanded to obtain additional medical evidence, clarify the veteran's claims, and schedule new examinations.

The veteran's service connection claim for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), to include as secondary to service-connected sarcoidosis, was denied. The Board found that the preponderance of evidence did not support a finding that the current GERD is related to active service or service-connected sarcoidosis.

The veteran's disabilities, including diabetes mellitus and left shoulder arthritis, are rated at a combined 80 percent. The veteran is entitled to special monthly pension at the housebound rate.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a VA examination to determine if the veteran's back, neck and shoulder disabilities are secondary to his service-connected Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a hearing at the RO level. The issues of service connection for hypertension, bilateral shoulder disability, and left inguinal hernia remain pending.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that new and material evidence had not been presented to reopen the claim.,The Board also denied the veteran's claim for service connection for arthritis of the left shoulder, concluding that there was no evidence linking his condition to active duty or exposure to ionizing radiation.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service personnel and medical records, arranging for a VA examination, and considering whether the veteran's current right shoulder disability is related to his period of service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a VA neurology examination and consideration of all submitted evidence.

The Board found that the veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The right shoulder disability and residuals of pneumonia claims are also denied.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the veteran's previously denied claim for service connection for residuals of a dislocated left shoulder.

The veteran's service-connected residuals of a shell fragment wound to the left shoulder have been rated at 20 percent, but his condition has worsened such that he now requires a higher rating. The Board finds that a 30 percent rating is warranted based on moderate incomplete nerve paralysis and slight limitation of arm motion.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a higher rating for his left shoulder disability, finding that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of the current 30 percent.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various knee and neck disabilities, as well as infectious hepatitis. The evidence does not support a current diagnosis of any of these conditions.

The VA determined that the veteran is not unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities, specifically his right hand and shoulder injuries. The evidence did not support a finding of TDIU based on these conditions.