Shoulder decisions — 2007

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his left knee and right shoulder conditions have been denied. The current evaluations are found to be appropriate based on the evidence provided.

The VA denied higher ratings for service-connected shell fragment wound scars of the left shoulder and right shoulder, finding that the current symptoms are not due to in-service injuries but rather glenohumeral arthritis.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and additional development is required.

The veteran's service-connected residuals of a shell fragment wound left arm with shoulder impairment are currently rated at 30 percent, the maximum allowable under Diagnostic Code 5201. The other issues have not been addressed due to procedural issues.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, a left shoulder disability, and low back disability. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) is pending as part of the appeal.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not currently suffer from any of the claimed conditions and therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's low back disorder is related to service, and thus grants service connection for this condition. The left shoulder disorder and dental condition secondary to jaw fracture are not found to be related to service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional examinations and review of the claims file to determine if any service connection is warranted for various disabilities.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluation of low back disorder, service connection for bilateral arthritis of the hands, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus, type II were denied. The claims for reopening service connection for herniated nucleus pulposus of C5-C6 and right shoulder disorder were also denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right shoulder disability warrants a 30 percent rating, effective March 3, 2004.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability with left shoulder involvement.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his right shoulder disability is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left shoulder disability is related to his service-connected left ankle disability. However, there is no evidence of a current pulmonary or conjunctivitis disability and none found to be etiologically related to service.

The Board has granted a 50 percent rating for the veteran's residuals of right shoulder injury, which is currently rated as 40 percent disabling.

The veteran's service-connected left shoulder disability is manifested by complaints of pain and moderately severe limitation of movement, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,Prior to February 8, 2007, the veteran's cervical spine disability more closely resembles moderate intervertebral disc disease with recurring attacks. As of February 8, 2007, it does not resemble severe intervertebral disc syndrome or severe limitation of motion and is rated at 20 percent.,The veteran's lumbar spine disability prior to February 8, 2007 more closely resembles moderate intervertebral disc disease with recurring attacks. As of February 8, 2007, it does not resemble severe lumbosacral strain or severe intervertebral disc syndrome and is rated at 40 percent.,The veteran's left upper extremity radiculopathy prior to September 23, 2002 is equivalent to mild incomplete paralysis of the ulnar nerve. As of September 23, 2002, it is rated at 10 percent and remains so after April 28, 2003.,The veteran's right upper extremity radiculopathy prior to September 23, 2002 does not reach the level of mild incomplete paralysis of the ulnar nerve. As of September 23, 2002, it is rated at 10 percent and remains so after April 28, 2003.,The veteran's right leg radiculopathy prior to September 23, 2002 does not reach the level of mild incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve. As of September 23, 2002, it is rated at 10 percent and remains so after April 28, 2003.,The veteran's left leg radiculopathy prior to September 23, 2002 is equivalent to mild incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve. As of September 23, 2002, it is rated at 10 percent and remains so after April 28, 2003.,The veteran's left leg radiculopathy from April 28, 2003 to present is equivalent to mild incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve. It does not reach the level of moderate incomplete paralysis.

The Board found no evidence of gout in service records and concluded that the veteran's current diagnosis of gout is not related to his military service. The veteran was also determined not to be housebound or in need of aid and attendance due to his service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for a Travel Board hearing and further development.

The Board has determined that the appellant's right shoulder disability and degenerative joint disease in the lumbar and thoracic spine are not due to a disease or injury incurred during active duty for training.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The veteran's claims for increased ratings are pending.

The veteran's claims are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.