Shoulder decisions — 2009

The VA denied an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for the right shoulder disability, finding that the current rating adequately reflects the severity of the condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed left shoulder disability and facial skin disorder. Additional medical opinions are needed to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected right shoulder shrapnel wound caused or contributed to his death from lung cancer, arteriosclerotic heart disease and Type II diabetes mellitus.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left clavicle and shoulder disability, finding no evidence of such conditions in service or within one year after separation. The right knee claim was also denied as there was insufficient evidence to establish secondary service connection.

The VA has determined that the appellant's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and thus grants a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board found that the Veteran's current right shoulder disability, including rotator cuff tear with severe impingement syndrome of right shoulder, was not incurred or aggravated in service and is not proximately due to or the result of his service-connected right wrist fracture, residuals, traumatic arthritis, and non-union of carpal scaphoid.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection were denied. His right knee disability was rated at 20 percent, his lumbosacral spine disability was rated at 20 percent prior to September 26, 2003, and 10 percent thereafter, his right shoulder disability was not granted service connection, and his left shoulder disability was also not granted service connection. The appeal for cervical spine disability with bilateral hand numbness was withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Veteran's service-connected gunshot wounds to the left shoulder and neck have been granted increased ratings, with a current evaluation of 50 percent for the shoulder disability and 30 percent for the neck disability.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding the issues of service connection for bilateral shoulder pain and an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for headaches.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded for further development, including a VA examination and consideration of all appropriate theories of entitlement.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a VA examination and consideration of both schedular and extraschedular evaluations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a skin disorder of the right hand, arm, and shoulder, including skin disability due to blood poisoning.

The Veteran's initial ratings for degenerative joint disease of the left shoulder and hepatitis C were denied as his conditions did not warrant higher disability ratings.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, warranting a TDIU rating.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability, characterized by impingement syndrome and degenerative arthritis, does not warrant a rating higher than the current 20 percent evaluation.

The Board found no competent medical evidence linking the Veteran's current bilateral shoulder disorder to his period of active service, and thus denied the claim for service connection.

The Board found no evidence linking the Veteran's current conditions to his service, including hemorrhoids and left shoulder arthritis. Therefore, service connection was denied for both conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for service-connected right and left shoulder thoracic outlet syndrome disabilities are being remanded to the RO for further development, including obtaining VA vocational rehabilitation records and a medical examination. The Board will consider the claims on an extraschedular basis if warranted.

The Board denied a claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus with adhesive capsulitis of the right shoulder, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an increased rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.