Shoulder decisions — 2008

The Board denied service connection for right leg numbness, low back pain, and right shoulder laxity/pain as there is no current medical diagnosis of these conditions. Service connection was also not granted for a lung disorder related to asbestos exposure due to lack of evidence.

The Board found that the veteran's claimed right shoulder bursitis was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The left shoulder and cervical spine disabilities are not rated higher than the current 10 percent evaluations.,Service connection was granted for a peri-anal abscess, to include hemorrhoids.

The Board has reviewed the claims for increased evaluations and service connection, but found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation or service connection in all cases. The appeals are therefore denied.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain medical records and for further consideration of his claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for his left shoulder disorder, finding that the evidence did not show 'severe' muscle disability or limited range of motion. The current 20 percent rating is maintained.

The Board denied DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 because the veteran was not service-connected for a disability rated as 100% disabling for at least 10 years prior to his death.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluation for various conditions, including bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, right ear hearing loss, left ear hearing loss, a right ankle disability, positional vertigo, gastritis, a left ankle disability, a right shoulder condition, and chronic lumbosacral strain and myositis with degenerative joint disease.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's current right shoulder disorder to his military service, including any injury sustained during combat in Korea. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right shoulder injury, diagnosed as rotator cuff tendinitis with impingement, is related to his service-connected knee disorder and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the veteran's right shoulder disability has been primarily manifested by complaints of pain and limitation of motion, without muscle atrophy or swelling. The current degree of disability does not warrant a higher evaluation.

The Board has remanded the claim for a disability rating in excess of 20 percent for IVDS to the RO via the Appeals Management Center (AMC) in Washington, DC, for further development and consideration. The left shoulder disorder claim is reopened due to new evidence submitted since the last final denial.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations.

The Board denied service connection for the claimed conditions, finding that they were not incurred or aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his bilateral residuals of frostbite with arthritis and bilateral weak feet, contributed to his development of cardiovascular disease which caused his death. As such, the appeal for service connection for cause of death is granted.

The Board found that the veteran does not have a right shoulder disability related to military service and denied his claim for service connection. The left knee medial collateral ligament sprain was also denied as there is no evidence of an in-service injury or disease.

The Board denied service connection for generalized arthritis of the fingers, shoulders and hips.,Service connection was also denied for hypertension. The veteran's hypertension is not related to active duty or presumed due to exposure.

The veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional VA examination and records review.

The Board has granted initial ratings of 20% for bilateral shoulder DJD since March 2006, and the matters of initial ratings in excess of 10% prior to March 2006, and ratings in excess of 20% since March 2006 remain for appellate consideration.

The Board has determined that additional evidentiary development is required prior to the adjudication of the veteran's claim for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis of the hands, elbows, shoulders and knees.