Shoulder decisions — 2007

The veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis of the hands, elbows, left shoulder, and left knee; tinnitus; coronary artery disease; and hypertension have all been denied as there is no competent evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for impingement syndrome of both shoulders and migraine headaches, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on current symptomatology.

The Board determined that the veteran's right shoulder disability, characterized by arthritis and retained shell fragments, does not warrant a combined rating in excess of 30 percent.

The veteran's claim for service connection for arthritis of the right shoulder secondary to his service-connected GSW residuals of MG III of the right arm was denied as there is no medical evidence showing that he has this condition.

The veteran's claims for higher ratings for residuals of gunshot wounds to the intrinsic muscles of his left hand and scars on various parts of his body have been granted, with a rating of 10 percent assigned. The decision also notes that separate compensable ratings have been awarded for scars on the left shoulder, costal area, and index finger.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various shoulder, back, wrist, and cervical spine disabilities due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including arthritis of the shoulders and elbows, DDD of the cervical spine, degenerative changes status post laminectomy of the lumbar spine, peripheral neuropathy of all extremities, a bladder disorder, migraine headaches, and a psychiatric disorder. The evidence did not support a finding of exposure to ionizing radiation during service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for chest pain, hypoglycemia, carpal tunnel syndrome (right upper extremity), a chronic gastrointestinal disorder, a cervical spine disorder, and a lumbar spine disorder. The Board also found that left carpel tunnel syndrome is not related to service.

The veteran has been granted service connection for residual scarring from a right wrist ganglion cyst, as well as bilateral shoulder disabilities including arthritis and rotator cuff syndrome.

The veteran's claims for service connection for intervertebral disc syndrome and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, as well as tendonitis of the left shoulder, are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and consideration.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left elbow, shoulder, and arm conditions were not incurred or aggravated during service. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection.

The VA denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected osteoarthritis in the left shoulder and lumbosacral strain, finding that the current ratings adequately reflect the severity of these conditions.

For the period from June 25, 2003 through November 4, 2004, the veteran's left shoulder injury resulted in some limitation of motion but not to a degree that would warrant a higher rating.,For the period from November 5, 2004 to June 4, 2006, the veteran's left shoulder injury resulted in limitation of motion to shoulder level and subluxation of the humeral head. A 20 percent rating is warranted for these symptoms.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of entitlement to an initial compensable evaluation for impingement syndrome left shoulder, service connection for right thumb metacarpophalangeal joint pain, and service connection for upper back pain. The disability ratings were not granted as there was no evidence supporting a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development and consideration of the veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete information in the record, including missing VA medical records and a Social Security Administration (SSA) decision.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for a left shoulder disorder. However, the Board found no current diagnosis of a left shoulder disorder and concluded that there is no nexus between any in-service injury and the current condition. Therefore, the claim for service connection for a left shoulder disorder remains denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a present left eye, right knee, or right shoulder disability as a result of service. The claims for increased ratings are also denied.

The Board found no service connection for the cause of death due to cardiorespiratory failure, and denied DIC pursuant to 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, right shoulder disability, bilateral hip disability, bilateral knee disability, and bilateral foot disability. The evidence did not establish a link between these conditions and active service.

The VA has determined that the veteran does not have current bilateral knee disabilities or lacerations of the back and left shoulder, which were incurred in service.,No compensable disability ratings are assigned for laceration scars on either hand.