Shoulder decisions — 2008

The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for the veteran's right shoulder disability, as his symptoms remained constant throughout the period on appeal and he could lift his arm well above shoulder level. As such, the claim was denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for scars of the left elbow and lower abdomen, as well as his service connection claims for osteoarthritis of the shoulders and a neurological disorder of the left arm. The veteran was not granted any benefits in these matters.

The VA has granted service connection for a left shoulder disability, but the initial evaluation remains at 20 percent due to lack of limitation of motion beyond the shoulder level.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for depression, breathing problems (including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and rhinitis), erectile dysfunction, neck disability, sleep apnea, and increased rating for chronic back strain. The decision also addressed whether new and material evidence had been received to reopen previously denied claims.

The Board found that the veteran's pre-existing right shoulder condition did not worsen during service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran developed chronic disabilities in her right shoulder, right knee, left knee, and left ankle as a result of service. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a detailed VA examination of his second degree burn scars from his right shoulder to his right thigh. The RO will schedule another examination and consider the results in determining an appropriate disability rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for a back disorder and a right shoulder disorder, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his active duty.

The Board granted service connection for right shoulder bursitis and assigned a 10 percent evaluation, effective March 16, 2001. The ratings for fibromyalgia, urticaria prior to July 24, 2006, and urticaria beginning July 24, 2006, were all granted but not increased.

The veteran's claims for service connection for a right hip disorder and left hip disorder were denied. The claim for tinnitus was also denied.,The veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disorder, left knee disorder, neck/cervical spine disorder, and right shoulder disorder were all denied. However, the veteran's claims for depression and PTSD have been reopened and granted.,The veteran's right shoulder disorder claim has been reopened but not granted. The veteran's depression claim has also been reopened but not granted. The veteran's PTSD claim has been reopened and granted.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for numbness in the feet, gynecological condition (genital warts with breakthrough bleeding), residuals of frostbite to the left ear, and residual cysts on the ears. The Board also found that she does not have a current disability manifested by lumbar strain, bilateral knee disorder, or bilateral shin splints due to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence being added to the record and a supplemental statement of the case needs to be issued.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of September 26, 1979 for special monthly compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(r). The veteran was previously denied this benefit due to a lack of prior claims filed before July 30, 1980.

The Board found that there is no competent medical evidence linking the veteran's current left shoulder and left elbow residuals to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. Therefore, the claim for secondary service connection was denied.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension (SMP) by reason of needing regular aid and attendance or being housebound was denied as he does not meet the criteria based on his medical conditions.

The veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at a private facility on January 18, 2007 for left shoulder and arm pain were denied as he did not meet the criteria for reimbursement under VA regulations.

The Board found no evidence of a right or left shoulder disorder during service and denied the veteran's claims for service connection.

The veteran's service-connected right and left knee strains are each rated at 10 percent, with the right knee also receiving a separate 20 percent evaluation for instability. The left acromioclavicular joint arthrosis with shoulder strain is not shown to warrant an increased rating. The status post left index finger fracture does not meet criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Board denied service connection for a right ankle disability, left shoulder disability, and PTSD. The veteran's claims were not supported by evidence of in-service injury or disease.

The VA has denied service connection for the residuals of right foot, wrist, and shoulder sprains due to lack of diagnosed conditions.