Shoulder decisions — 2008

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for his left shoulder disability, finding that the evidence did not support such an increase. The Board also found that there was no separate entitlement to a rating for neurological manifestations related to his service-connected left shoulder disability.

The veteran's left shoulder disorder is granted as secondary to his service-connected right shoulder disorder. Service connection for depleted uranium toxicity is denied due to lack of medical evidence. The veteran's PTSD is granted an increased rating to 50 percent.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his right shoulder DJD is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination to determine the current severity of the veteran's left shoulder disability, as well as whether his flat feet, right knee disabilities, and left knee disabilities are related to service. The claims for increased ratings will be adjudicated after these actions.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for a more definitive opinion regarding his right shoulder disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right shoulder disability and cervical spine disability are related to incidents during active military service, granting service connection for both conditions.

The Board granted service connection for arthritis of the total spine, hands, shoulders, knees, and feet. The veteran's atypical left third rib was found to be a congenital defect with no superimposed disease or injury in service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar spine, cervical spine, and right shoulder disabilities.

The VA determined that the veteran's right shoulder arthroplasty did not result in additional disability, and any complications were resolved without causing long-term issues.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for service connection for right and left shoulder disorders due to potential VA records, SSA records, and additional medical examination.