Shoulder decisions — 2007

The Board denied service connection for residuals of fractured ankles, herniated cervical disc, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, and arthritis of multiple joints including hands, knees, and elbows. The underlying disorders were not shown to have worsened during active or inactive duty.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the veteran's bilateral shoulder disorder and its relationship to service. The case will be returned for further adjudication.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a musculoskeletal disability of the left shoulder or chronic headaches that are service-connected. The evidence shows no in-service injury to these conditions and no current disabilities.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, neck injury, and headaches. Service connection for the neck injury is granted.

The veteran has withdrawn his appeal for all service connection claims.

The Board found no evidence of chronic right shoulder or left ring finger disabilities during service, and denied the veteran's claims for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right shoulder deltoid tendonitis does not warrant a rating higher than 10 percent.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a left shoulder disability and granted service connection on a direct basis. The claims for tendonitis of the left elbow, acquired psychiatric disorder, right knee disability, sleep disorder, and fatigue were denied as not related to active service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a disability rating greater than 60 percent for his cervical spine condition and for entitlement to total disability based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities. The evidence did not support an increased rating or TDIU determination.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of increased ratings for his right ulnar neuropathy and right wrist scar, as well as service connection for a low back disability and bilateral shoulder disability.

The Board has granted a 10 percent evaluation for the veteran's left elbow injury residuals since May 14, 2002. The initial evaluation for his left shoulder injury is also granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left shoulder disability does not present an exceptional or unusual disability picture, and therefore, it is not warranted to grant an extraschedular evaluation.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities render him so helpless as to require the regular aid and attendance of another person, qualifying for special monthly compensation benefits.

The Board found that the veteran's cervical spine, left shoulder, and left foot disabilities are not related to his service-connected left knee disability. Therefore, he is denied service connection for these conditions.

The Board found that the veteran's right shoulder disability warranted a 20 percent evaluation from June 29, 2001 to February 28, 2002. After this period, the evidence did not support an increased rating.

The Board has ordered the case remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling a VA examination. The veteran's claim of entitlement to an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals of a shell fragment wound to the right shoulder remains pending.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current heart disorder or bilateral shoulder disorders, and therefore service connection for these conditions is denied. The veteran's tinnitus is currently rated at 10 percent.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found no evidence of a left knee disorder related to service or service-connected conditions, and the lumbosacral strain and left clavicle fracture residuals did not meet criteria for higher ratings.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a left shoulder disorder, and pancreatitis. The anxiety disorder is found to be related to active service, but the left shoulder disorder and pancreatitis are not found to be related to service.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for basal cell carcinoma and melanoma, finding that new evidence supports a link to service. Service connection is granted.