Shoulder decisions — 2008

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected multiple joint arthritis (shoulders, elbows, thoracolumbar spine, and ankles), finding that the evidence did not support a compensable rating under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board granted a 30 percent rating for degenerative arthritis of the right shoulder, effective March 15, 2004. The claim for TDIU was also granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for TMJ syndrome, cervical spine disorder, and bilateral shoulder disorder. The evidence did not establish continuity of symptomatology or a link between these conditions and service.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The right shoulder disability was rated as noncompensable prior to December 16, 2005, and at 20 percent thereafter. Sleep apnea remains at a 50 percent rating. Service connection for the neck condition and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy were denied.

The veteran's initial ratings for diabetes mellitus, PTSD, cervical spine DJD, right shoulder DJD, and left shoulder DJD were denied.

The veteran's claim for automobile and adaptive equipment or for adaptive equipment only was denied as he is not service-connected for a condition that would qualify him for such benefits. The right knee disability claim resulted in a non-denial, but the issue of entitlement to separate evaluation for arthritis of the right knee with limitation of motion was granted.

The Board has found that service connection is warranted for chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia (other than joint pains attributable to diagnosed disorders of the shoulders, back and knees), left hand neuropathy, right hand neuropathy, left upper extremity tremors, right upper extremity tremors, and shortness of breath.,The veteran's symptoms have been linked to an undiagnosed illness or exposure to toxic agents.

The Board has granted service connection for chorioretinal scarring and floaters of the right eye, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to a motor vehicle accident during service. Service connection was denied for bursitis of the left shoulder.

The veteran's left shoulder disability warranted a temporary total rating through May 2005 due to post-surgical convalescence. For the period after May 2005, he was granted a schedular rating of 10 percent for his disability.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including COPD and bilateral knee problems, result in the loss of use of both lower extremities. He qualifies for assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing but not for special home adaptations.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim of service connection for a bilateral shoulder disability and finds that it is at least as likely as not related to his military service. The veteran also has been granted service connection for a bilateral knee disability.,The VA examination report indicates that the veteran's current bilateral shoulder and knee disabilities are more likely than not attributable to his in-service activities, including strenuous physical activity during training and combat.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis was incurred in active service and is granted service connection. The issue of left shoulder bursitis remains pending as it has not been adjudicated by VA.

The appeal is denied as the RO has determined that service connection for a left shoulder disorder and an increased rating for back disability are not warranted.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected gunshot wound to the right arm did not cause or aggravate his rotator cuff tear of the right shoulder.

The Board has granted an increased evaluation of 30 percent for the veteran's right shoulder injury with biceps tendinitis, effective September 1, 2003. A separate 10 percent evaluation is also assigned for a painful scar associated with previous surgeries.

The Board has granted service connection for the left shoulder disability as secondary to the service-connected left knee disability. The effective date of the increased rating for the left knee disability is set at March 29, 2004. The veteran's TMJ syndrome and hemorrhoids are rated based on their current manifestations.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for a recurrent dislocation of the right shoulder. The appellant's current right shoulder disability is found to be related to an injury sustained during boot camp.

The Board denied service connection for head trauma causing arthritis of the neck and bilateral shoulders, as well as nose trauma causing skin irritation. The veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.

The Board found no evidence of in-service injury or disease that could be linked to the veteran's current left shoulder, neck, and bilateral wrist disabilities. As such, service connection for these conditions was denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for joint pain of the shoulders, elbows, and left wrist. The Board found that the veteran did not have a current disability related to his military service or an undiagnosed illness incurred during his service in Southwest Asia.