Shoulder decisions — 2009

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The cervical spine disability was rated as 10 percent, the right ankle disability was rated as 20 percent effective May 23, 2008, and the flat feet claim was not reopened.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed bilateral shoulder disability was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and denied his claim.

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and the appellant did not meet the requirements for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The Board has dismissed the appeal as the appellant did not file a substantive appeal for the issue of an increased evaluation for multi-level degenerative disc disease. The Veteran's service connection claim for early entrapment syndrome and right shoulder disorder was granted, but he did not seek to increase his compensation for early entrapment syndrome.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left shoulder disorder, including impingement syndrome and degenerative joint disease, was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and service connection were granted, with the right distal radius fracture with degenerative changes of the wrist rated at 10 percent. The left elbow and right elbow disabilities are also service-connected as secondary to his hand impairment.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals regarding his claims for service connection due to lack of new and material evidence. The issues have been withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before a decision on the merits of the claims can be reached, including obtaining service treatment records and verifying the Veteran's dates of active military service.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for various conditions due to insufficient evidence and further examination is required.

The Board found that the Veteran's right shoulder disorder, acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD), and left leg/foot disorder did not manifest during his active duty service. The evidence does not support a causal relationship between these disorders and his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have any of the claimed disabilities as a result of service or secondary to a service-connected disability, and therefore, denied all claims for service connection.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic knee or shoulder disability in service, and the preponderance of the evidence is against finding that any current bilateral knee disorder or right shoulder disorder is related to service.

The Board found that the Veteran's right shoulder condition was not incurred during service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found no evidence of current disabilities for the right shoulder, low back, or right leg (including arthritis of the right knee). The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as there was insufficient medical evidence to support these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for back, right shoulder, and neck disorders are denied as there is no evidence of a chronic disability during or within one year after service. The VA examiner opined that any current back disorder is less likely than not related to active duty.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for service connection of various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, right shoulder disability, left ankle disorder, and residuals of Achilles tendon repair. The Veteran did not receive a compensable rating for these conditions.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for cervical spine and bilateral shoulder disabilities, which he believes are related to his service-connected right forearm and left thumb disabilities. The Board has determined that additional medical development is needed before the claim can be adjudicated.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a right shoulder clavicle and scapula injury (right shoulder condition) and athlete's foot, as new and material evidence was not submitted to reopen these previously denied claims.

The Veteran's service-connected right shoulder disability is granted with a 30 percent rating, effective from March 1997. The RO also increased the ratings for high blood pressure and diabetic retinopathy of both eyes.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for all issues except the ones related to Agent Orange exposure. The Board does not have jurisdiction to review these remaining issues.