Shoulder decisions — 2008

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for cervical and thoracic spine disabilities, as well as a left shoulder disability. The veteran was granted service connection for recurrent major depression.

The Board is remanding the veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete service records and need for medical opinions.,The Board is also remanding the veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete service records and need for medical opinions.,The Board is further remanding the veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete service records and need for medical opinions.,The Board is additionally remanding the veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete service records and need for medical opinions.,The Board is also remanding the veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete service records and need for medical opinions.,The Board is further remanding the veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete service records and need for medical opinions.,The Board is additionally remanding the veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete service records and need for medical opinions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right shoulder injury does not meet or approximate criteria for a higher evaluation, and thus the claim for an increased rating is denied.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and medical documentation relied upon in the award of disability benefits.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral shoulder and right hip disabilities were not incurred during his active duty service. The evidence does not support a finding of a nexus between these conditions and his period of service.

The Board has granted a higher initial rating of 20 percent for the veteran's service-connected left shoulder disability, effective from the date of claim.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, a right shoulder disability, an eye disability manifested by diplopia, and a chronic upper gastrointestinal disability (to include GERD). The evidence did not establish a link between these conditions and service.

The Board found no evidence of current right chest or shoulder disorders related to service, and thus denied the veteran's claims for service connection.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for right shoulder disability, service connection for prostatitis, left elbow injury, carpal tunnel syndrome of the right wrist, and chronic adjustment disorder.,Service connection was not granted for any condition as the evidence did not support the veteran's claims.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's current left shoulder disability, including arthritis, to service or any incident therein. The preponderance of medical and X-ray evidence is against a finding that his service-connected right shoulder disability caused or aggravated his left shoulder disorder.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the veteran was exposed to stressors in service and to obtain his missing service medical records. The appeal will be remanded for these purposes.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, multiple joint arthritis in additional joints, or a chronic skin disorder. Service connection was denied as no new evidence was provided to reopen these claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection for various conditions, including PTSD and those secondary to radiation exposure. The evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating or service connection.

The veteran's claims for higher initial ratings and service connection were denied. Her claim of impingement syndrome of the left shoulder was granted with a zero percent rating prior to February 10, 2006, and a 10 percent rating thereafter.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current right ankle or right shoulder disability etiologically related to his active service. The claims are therefore denied.

The VA determined that the veteran's left shoulder disability does not warrant an evaluation in excess of 20 percent, based on full range of motion without significant functional impairment.

The veteran's request to reopen his previously denied claim for service connection of hypertension was granted. He is also awarded an increased disability rating of 10% for chronic low back strain and a 20% disability rating for residuals of a right shoulder injury, effective from the date of the decision.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a left shoulder disability due to disease or injury incurred in service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board granted a 50 percent evaluation for PTSD with memory loss due to residuals of a head injury and concussion, effective July 25, 2005. The evaluations for the right lower leg and right shoulder disabilities remain unchanged.

The veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and further development of his claims.