Shoulder decisions — 2008

The Board has determined that an examination is necessary to determine if the veteran experienced a personal assault in service and whether he currently has PTSD as a result. The left shoulder claim will be deferred until after this determination.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding no current diagnosed blood disorder or secondary disorders.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the veteran's claims of service connection for low back, hip, and right shoulder disabilities. The claim remains denied.

The veteran's claim for nonservice-connected pension benefits for 2005 and 2006 was denied as he failed to provide necessary income information, which is required for the determination of his eligibility.

The veteran is seeking service connection for hip and shoulder disabilities, which are secondary to his service-connected cervical spine disability. The case has been remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and records.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected residuals of a gunshot wound to the left shoulder and left shoulder rotator cuff tear do not warrant an evaluation in excess of the currently assigned initial 10 percent rating.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations and to reopen service connection for right shoulder and elbow disorders. The evidence submitted since the last final denial does not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating these claims.

The veteran's injuries were not caused by VA hospital care, medical or surgical treatment, or examination. The Board denied compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for left shoulder, left knee, and cervical spine disabilities.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for left shoulder disorder, recurrent lower back pain, and bilateral foot disorder (claimed as bilateral plantar fasciitis and hallux valgus). The claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for headaches was not addressed due to pending issues.

The veteran's right shoulder disability was granted a higher rating of 40 percent, while his right knee and back disabilities were denied increased ratings.,The veteran's lumbar spine condition received an increased rating to 40 percent, but the right knee issue remained at its current 10 percent rating.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to a need for a more current VA examination and compliance with VCAA requirements.

The Board has granted service connection and a 10 percent evaluation for the veteran's left shoulder disability, back condition, and right knee disability. The rating for the right knee is maintained at 10 percent.

The Board found no evidence of a current cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine disability related to service. The left shoulder and right leg conditions were also not shown to be related to service.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine disability and denied the claim for left shoulder arthritis. The cervical spine disability is found to be related to active service.

The Board has remanded the case due to unavailability of service medical records and a need for further examination to determine if the veteran's current right shoulder and hip disorders are related to his military service.

The Board found that there is no credible evidence linking the veteran's current arthritis and shoulder disability to his 1967 jeep accident, and thus denied service connection for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to issues related to service connection and increased ratings for various knee and shoulder disabilities, as well as coronary artery disease.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the etiology of his current left shoulder, left elbow, and right knee disabilities. The examiner should determine if these conditions are related to service or other factors.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed disabilities are not related to his military service and have denied each of his claims for service connection.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a left shoulder disability, an acquired psychiatric disability to include depression and anxiety, headaches, residuals of infarction of the left cerebellum (including facial numbness and facial paresthesia), and irritable bowel syndrome.,An initial evaluation of 30 percent for headaches is granted effective June 29, 2005.