Shoulder decisions — 2009

The veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative joint disease, left shoulder with supraspinous tendonitis was denied. The effective date for the grant of service connection for this condition was January 13, 2005.

The Board grants service connection for a depressive disorder, claimed as secondary to the veteran's service-connected left knee disability.

The veteran's claim for basic eligibility for Dependents' Education Assistance under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35 was granted, while claims for service connection for a right shoulder disability and sinus disability were denied.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD and left shoulder disability are being remanded for additional VA examinations.

The Board granted service connection for a bilateral knee disorder and found that new and material evidence had been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim for a left shoulder disorder, but denied service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome.

The veteran's claims for service connection for right and left shoulder disabilities were granted, while the claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent for hemorrhoids, and for service connection for right and left knee disabilities were denied.

The Board denied service connection for a right shoulder disorder as there was no evidence of the condition during service or that it is related to any event or incident of the veteran's service.

The Board concluded that the evidence supports a finding of service connection for a bilateral shoulder disorder, which was diagnosed as degenerative joint disease.