Shoulder decisions — 2008

The veteran's claims for service connection for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, acute disseminating encephalitis as secondary to Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and a bilateral shoulder disability were denied due to lack of evidence supporting the conditions being incurred or aggravated during active duty.

The veteran's post operative left shoulder disability was rated as 0 percent (10 percent with subtraction of pre-service disability) prior to March 22, 2004 and as 10 percent (20 percent with subtraction of pre-service disability) effective from that date. The Board found no basis for a higher rating.

The Board denied service connection for a right shoulder disorder, a right foot disorder, and a left foot disorder as there was no evidence of chronic residuals that persisted throughout service to the present.

The Board denied service connection for numbness in the chest, back, armpits, upper shoulder, left leg, and neck as well as inability to sweat on the left arm, left side of head, and left side of chest. The veteran was also denied an increased rating for residuals of decompression laminectomy of the lumbar spine, cervical spine, and thoracic spine.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of catarrhal fever, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The claims to reopen for a right shoulder disorder and left knee disorder were also denied as new and material evidence was not submitted. Additionally, the veteran does not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for bilateral ankle, right knee, low back, and right shoulder disorders to obtain additional evidence, including service medical records.

The Board granted service connection for a low back disorder and a left shoulder disorder, finding that the evidence is in relative equipoise as to whether the veteran's current conditions are related to his in-service injuries.

The appeal is remanded for further development and an adequate VA examination to determine the nature, extent, onset and etiology of the veteran's reported body aches.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a right shoulder injury and a back injury, as there was no evidence to support that these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by the veteran's active service.

The Board denied the veteran's petition to reopen claims for service connection for neck, shoulder, and back disabilities because new and material evidence was not submitted.

The veteran's claims for service connection for a hiatal hernia, allergies, and a disability manifested by stomach problems, nausea, sweating, and lightheadedness were denied. The claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for hypertension was also denied.

The Board denied service connection for a right shoulder condition, found no new and material evidence to reopen the claim for left knee condition, and denied increased ratings for headaches with a history of sinusitis and bilateral hearing loss.

The Board granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy, but remanded the remaining claims for further development.

The Board denied service connection for a right shoulder disorder as there was no evidence of the condition during or after service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis of the bilateral shoulders and knees, as there was no evidence of a current disability or a link to service.

The veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for residuals of a head injury was denied as the evidence did not show that his condition warranted a higher rating.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 30 percent, and a left shoulder disorder was not found to have been incurred in or aggravated by service.

The veteran's chronic left shoulder dislocation residuals are presumed to have been initially manifested during active service.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a fracture of the right hand and wrist, as well as traumatic arthritis of the left shoulder, finding that these conditions were not incurred in or aggravated by the veteran's active duty service.

The veteran's claims for service connection for a cardiac disorder, bilateral knee disorder including arthritis, right shoulder disorder, and upper back disorder were denied as there was no competent evidence of record showing the veteran currently suffers from these conditions.