Shoulder decisions — 2010

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claims for residuals of status-post coccygeal fracture and resection, as well as his claim for residuals of a gunshot wound of the left elbow and left shoulder, are granted.

The Board has granted service connection for a right ankle disability, cervical spine disability, right shoulder disability, and left shoulder disability.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for the issues of entitlement to service connection for a right shoulder disorder, an eye disorder, and special monthly compensation based on a need for regular aid and attendance of another person or by reason of being housebound. The issue of entitlement to service connection for a back disorder is remanded.

The VA determined that there is no current clinically diagnosed right shoulder disorder and thus cannot grant service connection for the condition.

The Veteran's claim for nonservice-connected pension benefits is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations.

The Board denied service connection for a left shoulder rotator cuff disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder (dysthymic disorder), but granted service connection for the dysthymic disorder. The Veteran's claim for non-service connected pension was denied.

The Board has granted a higher evaluation of 30 percent for the Veteran's right shoulder strain, effective January 1, 2006. Prior to this date, the disability was rated at 20 percent.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for right shoulder degenerative arthritis prior to May 13, 2008 was denied. The effective date of service connection for the disability was set at February 23, 1995.

The Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for asthma, heart disease (including swelling in the hands and feet), a left shoulder disorder, and a right shoulder disorder have been denied. The claim regarding whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen previously denied claims of entitlement to service connection for a head injury and a chest injury is also denied.

The Veteran's initial increased ratings for his service-connected left shoulder and cervical spine disabilities have been denied. The current ratings of 20 percent are deemed appropriate based on the evidence showing arthritis with painful motion, but not limitation of function.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for back and right shoulder disabilities due to a failure to ensure compliance with the duty to assist, requiring additional medical treatment records from the St. Louis VA Medical Center.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for his right shoulder disability and the reopening of a claim for carpal tunnel syndrome are remanded due to need for additional examinations, updated treatment records, and information regarding Social Security Administration benefits.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA orthopedic examination to assess the severity of his right shoulder disability.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining x-rays and conducting a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's right shoulder disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for a cervical spine disability, right shoulder disability, and right rib disability. The decision also addressed whether new and material evidence had been received to reopen his previously denied claims for these disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right shoulder disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling an examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current left shoulder disability related to his active service and therefore denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hand, wrist, and right shoulder disabilities were denied as the evidence did not show a chronic disability related to his active duty.

The Veteran's service-connected postoperative residuals of left (minor) shoulder impingement syndrome have been characterized by infrequent episodes of dislocation with range of motion measurements showing flexion of no less than 155 degrees, abduction of no less than 130 degrees, external rotation of no less than 80 degrees, and internal rotation of no less than 65 degrees, accompanied by pain and a lack of endurance following repetitive use. The criteria for an initial evaluation of 20 percent have been met.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability, which has resulted from a history of recurrent dislocations and is currently manifested by pain and limited motion, warrants a 20 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 5201.