Shoulder decisions — 2010

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his right shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis was denied by the RO. The matter is being remanded to secure additional medical records and readjudicate the claim.

The Board has dismissed the appeal with respect to the claims of entitlement to service connection for a fungal disorder, allergic rhinitis, and hypertension due to the Veteran's request for withdrawal. The remaining issues are addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability is rated at 20 percent, effective July 9, 2007. The claim for an earlier effective date remains denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and the need for further medical examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a left shoulder disability incurred in or aggravated during active military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed disabilities, including left shoulder arthritis, bilateral knee arthritis, residuals of broken ribs, and chest disability with sensitive bulge, were not incurred or aggravated during service. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left shoulder disorder is related to his active military service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to determine if his service-connected disabilities render him unemployable.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound is remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his service-connected left shoulder is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to assess functional loss due to pain, weakness, excess fatigability, incoordination and flare-ups.

The Veteran's service-connected right shoulder disability is currently rated at 10 percent, effective June 29, 2006. The Board has determined that the current evaluation adequately reflects the severity of his condition.

The Veteran's right proximal humerus fracture and left shoulder injury are not service-connected as they were caused by his service-connected knee disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent from December 20, 2002 to March 1, 2010 and in excess of 20 percent beginning March 2, 2010 for service-connected left shoulder disability is being remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a right shoulder disability, which he claims is related to his time as a prisoner of war (POW) during World War II. The Board has remanded the case for additional development and an examination to determine if post-traumatic arthritis is present and whether any current right shoulder disability is related to service.

The appellant's service-connected disabilities render him in need of a wheelchair and he requests assistance in purchasing an automobile or other conveyance with special adaptive equipment. The Board finds that a VA examination is required to determine the extent of his impairment.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to the need for VA examinations and further review of the Veteran's claims.

The Veteran's disability rating for residuals of a right shoulder injury with tendonitis was reduced from 30 percent to 10 percent effective May 1, 2008. The Board has determined that the reduction was improper and restored the original 30 percent evaluation.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is rated at 20 percent since May 29, 2008. The claim for increased evaluations of other conditions remains pending.

The Board found that the Veteran's arthritis of multiple joints, including shoulders, elbows, hands, hips, and ankles, was not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The Board also noted that his back pain in service was acute and transitory, and did not establish a link to current arthritis.