Shoulder decisions — 2010

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right shoulder disorder is more likely than not related to his in-service findings of right shoulder impairment, and therefore grants service connection for a right shoulder disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for acromioclavicular degenerative joint disease, left shoulder is being remanded due to the need for a VA medical examination and opinion regarding the etiology of the condition.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disorder and assigned a 100% evaluation, effective from the date of the decision. The issue regarding an increased evaluation for left shoulder impingement syndrome is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for right chest pain was denied as there is no evidence of a chronic disability manifested by this condition during or since her military service. The claims for initial compensable ratings for left shoulder sprain, right shoulder sprain, and right hand sprain are addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision.

The Veteran's hepatitis C and right shoulder disability are not service-connected. The claim for PTSD is pending as there is no evidence of a diagnosed condition.

The Board has remanded the case for a hearing and further development, including clarification of representation and compliance with notice and assistance requirements under the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is currently rated at 20 percent disabling, and the Board has granted an increased rating to 30 percent effective July 11, 2005.

The Board denied service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome, degenerative joint disease of the knees and shoulders, and stomach disorder on secondary basis to a service-connected spine disorder. The Veteran's current disorders are not related to his service-connected spine disorder.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for clarification on whether she wishes to withdraw her claim for service connection for tendonitis of the right shoulder. If she does not wish to withdraw, further development including a VA examination will be conducted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a chronic right shoulder disorder due to additional development being required.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current right shoulder disability and denied service connection for it. The claim for increased evaluation of bilateral knee arthritis was also denied, as the evidence did not show that the disabilities were more severe than what is currently rated.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations were denied as the evidence did not show left arm motion limited to 25 degrees from side or severe incomplete paralysis of the twelfth cranial nerve, and there was no evidence of bilateral upper extremity neuropathy manifested within one year following discharge from service.

The Board has determined that further development is required with respect to the right shoulder, osteoporosis, lumbar spine, and GERD claims. The Veteran's cervical spine disorder and glaucoma claims are not currently on appeal.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD, hepatitis C, onychomycosis, a bilateral shoulder disability, and varicose veins. The decision also found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the claim for PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical nexus evidence and a need for additional information from the Veteran's National Guard unit.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability has manifested by constant pain, frequent flare-ups especially when raising the arm above shoulder level, and decreased range of motion due to pain. However, there is no evidence of ankylosis, neurological impairment, or impairment of the humerus, clavicle, or scapula. The current rating of 10 percent adequately reflects his disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for hypertension and left shoulder dislocation were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating for the period prior to April 17, 2008, and for the period beginning on April 17, 2008.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a VA examination and adjudication of the reopened claim for service connection for a skin disorder. The Veteran's bilateral shoulder disability is also under review.

The Veteran's claimed bilateral knee, shoulder, and hip disabilities are not service-connected as they did not manifest during or within one year after service. The VA examiner concluded that the current conditions are less likely related to his service-connected coccidioidomycosis with lesion of the upper left lobe.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied. The Board found no new evidence to reopen the claim of segmental dysfunction, cervical spine.