Shoulder decisions — 2008

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disability, left shoulder disability, and acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD). The veteran did not have current evidence to support his claims.

The veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection of the right shoulder injury, so the issue is dismissed.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for coronary artery disease and right shoulder bursitis with mild degenerative changes were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for higher disability ratings under VA rating criteria.

The veteran's combined evaluation for compensation purposes was determined to be in excess of the requested levels, with some adjustments made based on specific disability ratings.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral shoulder disorder and a bilateral arm disorder, finding no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to service.

The veteran's service-connected left shoulder injury was initially rated noncompensable and later increased to a 10 percent rating effective November 24, 2003.

The VA determined that the veteran's service-connected right shoulder disability did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation than 20 percent since September 29, 2000.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his cervical spine surgery, have resulted in a permanent loss of use of both lower extremities and require the use of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair for mobility. The Board finds that he meets the criteria for specially adapted housing assistance.

The case is being remanded for additional development and consideration of the veteran's claims, including providing VCAA notification letters as required by recent court decisions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right shoulder and right wrist disabilities are not service-connected, as there is no evidence to support a direct or secondary relationship between these conditions and his military service. The claims were denied.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the veteran's death due to his service-connected peripheral vascular disease, which was found to have contributed substantially or materially to his death.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation for rheumatoid arthritis, an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee gonarthrosis based on limited/painful flexion and extension, or an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for bilateral hand osteoarthritis.,The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation for left knee gonarthrosis based on limited/painful flexion and extension, or an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for right scaphoid, trapezium, and trapezoid arthritis.,The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation for left scaphoid, trapezium, and trapezoid arthritis or an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for bilateral shoulder acromioclavicular arthritis.,The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation for right foot hallux valgus, or an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for left foot hallux valgus.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected disabilities make it impossible for him to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, thus granting a total rating based upon individual unemployability.

The veteran's hypertension, leg cramps, joint pain of shoulders and arms, and generalized body pain and weakness are all found to be related to his military service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected right shoulder impingement syndrome with degenerative joint disease.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for enucleation of the right eye, residuals of a right shoulder injury, and residuals of a fractured left forearm, facial bones, and ribs due to his service-connected hepatitis.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for proper VCAA notification and compliance with all applicable due process and notification requirements.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, a skin disability, a neck disability, and a shoulder disability due to lack of evidence showing current disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing notice under VCAA. The veteran's claims of service connection for left shoulder, cervical spine, and bilateral hearing loss disabilities are being reviewed.

The Board found that the appellant's claimed conditions were not incurred or aggravated during her active duty for training service and denied all claims of service connection.