Shoulder decisions — 2008

The veteran's increased evaluation for post-operative residuals of a right shoulder injury with traumatic arthritis is granted, and he is currently rated at 20 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right shoulder disability is service-connected, but his neck disability cannot be linked to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have any of the claimed disabilities due to service and therefore, service connection is denied for all issues.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left shoulder and arm conditions were not incurred in or aggravated by active military service, and thus denied both claims for service connection.

The veteran's right shoulder disorder, characterized by chronic rotator cuff tendonitis with arthritis of the acromioclavicular joint, has been rated at 30 percent since May 2004. The most recent VA examination revealed a range of motion to shoulder level (140 degrees flexion and 150 degrees abduction), which does not warrant an increased rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased disability rating for his service-connected left shoulder disability and entitlement to total disability based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected right shoulder disability, and for VCAA compliance.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete military records and a need for further examination regarding the etiology of the appellant's left shoulder, back, and left knee disabilities.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have current diagnoses of arthritis or bursitis in either shoulder or forearm, and thus cannot establish service connection for these conditions. The claim for a left eye area scar is pending.

The veteran's claim for vocational rehabilitation training under Chapter 31 of Title 38, United States Code is denied as his existing education and experience are adequate to secure and maintain employment in his chosen field.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right shoulder disability effectively manifests limitation of motion at the shoulder level, but not midway between side and shoulder level. Therefore, a 20 percent evaluation is granted for status-post dislocation of the right shoulder.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination and consideration of new evidence. The veteran's right shoulder disorder is being evaluated to determine if it is related to his service-connected left ankle fracture.

The Board has determined that the veteran's symptoms of adrenogenital syndrome, including Addison's disease, have been consistent with five or more Addisonian episodes in a year and for several years. The Board finds that these symptoms meet the criteria for a disability rating of 40 percent under Diagnostic Code 7911.

The veteran is seeking a higher disability rating for his service-connected residuals of a left shoulder injury, currently evaluated as 10 percent disabling. The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and examination.

The Board found no evidence of chronic conditions such as a skin disorder, left shoulder disorder, or hearing loss disabilities. The appellant's claims for service connection were denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral shoulder disorder was not incurred or aggravated in service and is not related to any incident of service. As such, service connection for a bilateral shoulder disorder is denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining VA clinical records and scheduling an appropriate examination.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the etiology of the veteran's current disabilities and whether they are related to service.

The VA determined that the veteran's degenerative joint disease of the left shoulder is not service-connected, as there is no evidence linking it to his military service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claims for service connection for postoperative residuals of skin cancer, myocardial infarction, status post removal of a Warthin tumor (thyroid glandular problems), PTSD, major depressive disorder, DJD of the lumbar spine, left shoulder disorder, right shoulder disorder, hypertension, bilateral knee disorder, and arthritis. The claims are therefore denied.