Shoulder decisions — 2010

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, right knee, tendonitis of the right shoulder and wrist, hemorrhoids, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) from March 1, 2008 were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (PTSD, left shoulder and hip disabilities, and a back disability) may prevent him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and examination to determine the nature, extent, and etiology of his claimed hearing loss, right shoulder disorder, and degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine.

The Board found that the Veteran's degenerative joint disease of the back and right shoulder did not manifest during service or within one year after separation, nor is it causally related to his military service.

The Board has determined that there is not sufficient evidence to establish service connection for the Veteran's claimed cervical spine and right shoulder disabilities, as well as his chronic sinusitis. The claims are therefore denied.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current ringing in his ears is related to military noise exposure. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and arthritis of the right wrist, ankles, and shoulders was also granted based on direct evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected right shoulder, hip, and knee disorders have resulted in significant limitations that require regular aid and attendance. The Board finds the Veteran meets the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office for further review, including consideration of his training as a medical surgical nurse and clinical nurse training in relation to his employability prior to May 5, 2005.

The Veteran's claims for higher evaluations for his low back, cervical spine, and right shoulder disabilities were denied as the evidence did not show that any of these conditions warranted a rating in excess of the current assigned ratings.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability was found to be less than the required criteria for a higher rating, with no ankylosis or instability. The VA determined that his pain and limitation of motion did not warrant a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including cervical spine disorder, shoulder condition, pubis symphysis separation with groin pain, and sleep disorder, have been denied as there is no evidence of in-service injury or disease that could be linked to these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected knee and shoulder disabilities have been evaluated, but none of the claims for increased ratings are granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disability, claimed as a right shoulder/arm disability, was incurred in or aggravated by his period of active service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for a new examination. The claims will be reconsidered based on the updated evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied across multiple conditions, with the exception of a claim to reopen due to new and material evidence.

The Board found that the Veteran's arthritis of the back, neck, and shoulders is not related to his service-connected right forearm disabilities. The claim for secondary service connection was denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including chronic bilateral lower extremity stress fractures, right shoulder disability, flat feet, pulmonary disability, right wrist tendonitis, and bilateral hearing loss disability have been denied. The Board found no evidence of current disabilities related to the in-service complaints.

The Veteran's service-connected left shoulder, cervical spine, and ankle disabilities have been rated appropriately. The initial disability ratings for the left shoulder and right upper extremity are granted at 10 percent each, while the ankle disability remains noncompensable.

The Board found that the Veteran's left shoulder and left knee disorders are not related to his service-connected right shoulder and right knee disorders.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for an adequate examination to address his left shoulder gunshot wound residuals, including any nerve damage. If it is determined that loss of use of the left hand exists as a result of the service-connected left shoulder gunshot wound residuals, special monthly compensation (SMC) may be applicable.