Shoulder decisions — 2010

The Board denied service connection for bilateral heel spurs, residuals of sinus surgery, and residuals of a right foot fracture. The Veteran's claim for TDIU prior to April 20, 2009 was also denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including hypertension and gastrointestinal issues, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has ordered additional development to address the issues of secondary service connection and aggravation for the right shoulder disability.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple conditions and exposures, with the majority of issues seeking service connection for various health problems. The Board has determined that a hearing is needed to address these claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's plantar fasciitis, left foot; patellofemoral syndrome, bilateral knees; and right shoulder tendonitis are all related to his active military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss and tinnitus. The claim for a lung condition is pending as it was not addressed in this decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus and hypertension were not incurred or aggravated by active service, and his right shoulder disability is not related to service. Therefore, these claims are denied.

The Veteran's claim for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile and/or adaptive equipment was denied as his service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for eligibility.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has been granted a 100 percent rating, effective from the date of the decision.

The Board found that the Veteran's upper back and right shoulder disabilities were not incurred or aggravated by service, and thus denied service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability, characterized by recurrent dislocation and pain, is currently rated at 30 percent. The Board found that the current rating adequately reflects her symptoms.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his service-connected left shoulder disability is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity and manifestations of his condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including anxiety disorder, burns, myositis ossificans, impingement of the right shoulder, tardy ulnar palsy, hypoesthesia, and residual burns, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy is not productive of a disability picture consistent with moderate incomplete paralysis of the external popliteal nerve.,The Veteran's service-connected residuals of laminectomy, scar are not considered unstable or manifested by pain on examination; nor is there any limitation of motion.,The Veteran's service-connected residuals of right inguinal hernia are not productive of a recurrent, readily reducible hernia that is well supported by truss or belt.,The Veteran's service-connected left shoulder calcific tendonitis with minimal arthritis of the acromioclavicular joint is manifested by complaints of pain and some limited range of motion, but without limitation to shoulder level or evidence of ankylosis.,Prior to July 14, 2008, the Veteran's service-connected lumbar disc disease, L4-L5 spondylostenosis, fusion L5 to S1 is manifested by subjective complaints of pain and objective findings of limitation of motion, but not forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less; ankylosis; or incapacitating episodes of at least four weeks over the past 12 months. From July 14, 2008, the Veteran's service-connected lumbar disc disease is manifested by subjective complaints of pain and objective findings of decreased limitation of motion, but not ankylosis, or incapacitating episodes of at least six weeks.,The Veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids are mild or moderate with excessive redundant tissue, but are not thrombotic or irreducible; and there are no objecting findings of persistent bleeding, anemia or fissures.,The Veteran's service-connected right shoulder disability with resection of the clavicle is manifested by complaints of pain and limited range of motion, but without limitation to midway between side and shoulder level or evidence of ankylosis.,The Veteran's service-connected greater occipital neuralgia with headaches is manifested by subjective complaints of headaches, but without evidence of prostrating attacks or moderate incomplete paralysis of the seventh (facial) cranial nerve.

The Veteran is granted a disability rating of 30 percent for his service-connected right shoulder disability as of September 27, 2002.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current back, shoulder, and right foot injuries are causally related to his active service.

The Veteran's migraine headaches have been rated as 10 percent disabling since April 29, 2010.,Prior to April 29, 2010, the Veteran's right shoulder disorder status post Bankhart procedure was rated as 20 percent disabling.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of joint pain and left shoulder disability. The Veteran's claim will be readjudicated based on the new evidence.

The Veteran's right shoulder disorder is not manifested by limitation of motion to midway between side and shoulder level, which would warrant a higher rating. The current 20 percent evaluation remains appropriate.

The Veteran's service-connected exposure to herbicides in Vietnam grants him presumptive service connection for a heart disorder, including coronary artery disease. The left shoulder disorder is not granted as secondary to the service-connected right shoulder disability.