Shoulder decisions — 2010

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for the residuals of a shrapnel wound of the left arm and left buttock was granted, with a rating of 30 percent for each condition. The claim for TDIU was also granted.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a chronic left shoulder injury, left eye injury, or nose injury during active duty service. The Veteran's current symptoms are not shown to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus and its complications, degenerative joint disease of the ankles, peripheral neuropathy, osteoarthritis of the shoulders, and hypertension, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus and right testicular condition are service-connected, with the remaining issues being denied. The Veteran experienced in-service noise exposure which is presumed to have caused his current tinnitus.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations were denied. The Board found no evidence linking the current conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left shoulder disability is etiologically related to his active service, and thus grants entitlement to service connection for a left shoulder disability. The issue of entitlement to service connection for a head injury remains unresolved.

The Board has granted service connection for a cervical spine disability to include arthritis and an increased rating for the right shoulder disability. The Veteran's claims are supported by medical evidence showing continuity of symptoms since service, as well as current diagnoses of degenerative disc disease in the cervical spine.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed lumbar spine and right shoulder disabilities are not related to service, and thus denied his claims for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative arthritis of the right and left shoulders are being remanded. The claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 is also being remanded due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left shoulder disorder is related to an injury he sustained in a motor vehicle accident during service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran is entitled to special monthly pension benefits due to his nonservice-connected disabilities and age over 65, meeting the criteria for housebound status.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings have been denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating for his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and the need for a VA medical opinion regarding whether ischemic heart disease contributed to the Veteran's death.

The Board denied an initial schedular evaluation in excess of 40 percent for the Veteran's service-connected fibromyalgia with headaches, sleeplessness, fatigue, and diffuse multiple joint pain. The issue of whether separate ratings for individual joint disabilities are warranted was also denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his lower extremity symptoms.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of his claims.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining a new VA examination for the appellant's right and left knee bursitis/prepatellar bursitis and left shoulder disability. The appellant will be provided with another opportunity to submit evidence and arguments.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder pain and low back strain have been granted, but the initial ratings assigned are not the maximum available. The Veteran is currently rated at 10 percent for both conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran and incomplete service treatment records. The Veteran's right knee and left shoulder disabilities are being reviewed for possible service connection.