Shoulder decisions — 2010

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back and bilateral shoulder disabilities, as well as the reduction in his disability rating for bilateral hearing loss. The decision also addressed a claim regarding headaches but noted that further development was needed.

The Veteran's claimed conditions, including migraine headaches, hearing loss, arthritis of various joints, asthma, lower back degenerative disc disease and muscle pain, an acquired psychiatric disorder to include depression, allergies and rhinitis, and nerve paralysis, were not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board found that the Veteran's additional disability of the left shoulder was not caused by VA treatment in 1996, and thus denied his claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as his service-connected conditions did not meet the criteria for higher evaluations.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and information regarding his SSA disability benefits.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected right shoulder strain with degenerative changes. The Veteran asserts an evaluation in excess of 20 percent is warranted for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis did not originate during service or are otherwise related to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right wrist fracture and service connection for a right shoulder disorder, right elbow disorder, and hearing loss. The decision also noted that tinnitus was not adjudicated.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his right shoulder disability was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show limitation of motion to shoulder level, which is required for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5201.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to relevant evidence not being considered in connection with this appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation (SMC) on the basis of the need for the regular aid and attendance of another person, or at the housebound rate.

The Veteran's service-connected left shoulder disability was rated as noncompensable for the entire appeal period prior to June 21, 2002. The Board granted a compensable rating of 10% effective from June 21, 2002.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied. The Board found that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claims of bilateral hearing loss, pinched nerve in left shoulder and arm, skin disability other than vitiligo, tinnitus, CAD, CVD, bilateral eye disability, peripheral neuropathy, and PVD.

The Veteran's bilateral shoulder disability was granted service connection. The right hip and sinusitis disabilities were denied as not incurred in or aggravated by active duty.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining VA medical records and scheduling an examination to assess the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his ability to obtain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for permanent and total rating for basic eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits is being remanded due to the need for further development, including a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple conditions, all of which are being reconsidered due to new evidence. The Board has not yet determined the outcome for each condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, but the RO/AMC is required to schedule new VA examinations to determine the current severity of his bilateral hearing loss, right shoulder disorder and left leg disorders.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of a right shoulder disability has been withdrawn. The case is being remanded to determine the current severity of his lumbosacral spine disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and arranging for VA examinations to assess the nature and extent of his disabilities.