Shoulder decisions — 2008

The VA determined that the veteran's left shoulder disability, which is currently rated at 10 percent, does not warrant a higher rating based on his current symptoms and examination findings.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing at the RO level.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the veteran's existing bilateral shoulder disorder was aggravated by his ACDUTRA service in October 2004 and prior. The VA will conduct a new examination to determine if any current bilateral shoulder disorder is related to or aggravated by this period of service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete records, including VA treatment records and SSA disability benefits documents.

The Board denied both the veteran's claims of service connection for a lipoma tumor of the left shoulder and depression, finding no competent medical evidence to establish a nexus between these conditions and his active military service.

The veteran's service-connected cervical spine degenerative disc disease with left shoulder radiculopathy and left knee ACL injury are currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board finds that these conditions do not warrant a higher rating based on current evidence.

The Board has determined that the veteran's disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for his left shoulder disability is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and compliance with current notification requirements.

The Board has determined that the veteran's cervical spine disability does not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent, and his left shoulder disability does not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Board denied service connection for a right knee disability, left knee disability, and histoplasmosis. The claim for right upper extremity numbness was granted as secondary to the veteran's service-connected right arm disability.,Service connection for a back disorder has been reopened based on new evidence.

The Board finds that May 8, 2000 is the effective date for reopening and granting service connection for conversion reaction with left hand and shoulder weakness.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the veteran's right shoulder disability, as well as its impact on his employment. The claims for increased rating and service connection are being remanded.

The veteran's service-connected right shoulder, left knee capsular strain, and erectile dysfunction are rated at the lowest possible levels. The Board found no evidence to warrant a higher rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected cervical spine, low back, and right shoulder conditions.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for accrued benefits and DIC, finding that she was not entitled to such benefits as a matter of law due to the lack of legal entitlement.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a right shoulder disability and for increased ratings for left shoulder impingement with arthritis, tarsal tunnel release of the left lower extremity, left foot and heel pain (status post arthroscopic surgery for an anterior heel spur), and left ankle disability. The claim for reopening service connection for right shoulder disability was denied due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for his service-connected right shoulder tendinitis and chronic skin condition with pruritis, finding that the evidence did not warrant a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has determined that the veteran's chronic headaches, right shoulder disability, and residuals of a neck injury are of service origin or intimately associated with service-connected disabilities. The appeal is granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left shoulder disability and sinusitis and allergic rhinitis were not incurred in or aggravated by his active duty service.

The veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for a surgical scar in the left shoulder region was denied. The claim for an extraschedular rating for residuals of a left (minor) shoulder dislocation, status-post Bankart repair (other than a surgical scar), was also denied.