Shoulder decisions — 2011

The Veteran's left shoulder disability was rated at 20 percent prior to September 29, 2006 and upgraded to 30 percent beginning on that date.

The Board has granted service connection for arthritis of the hands, feet, legs (knees), shoulders, ankles, and cervical and lumbar spine segments.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left shoulder capsulitis and a left bicep rupture, finding that new and material evidence was not presented to reopen these claims. The rating for posttraumatic status left elbow with post traumatic arthritis remains unchanged.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left shoulder disability, characterized as residuals of a left shoulder dislocation is being remanded due to missing records and the need for further examination.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the complexity introduced by temporary total ratings for shoulder surgeries, and incomplete adjudication of his claims. The issues are inextricably intertwined with unresolved NODs regarding temporary total rating periods.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied.,The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for a bilateral knee disability has been denied.,The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for a left hip disability and GERD has been granted with an initial rating of 10 percent.,The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied.,The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for a skin disability has been denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection has been denied.,The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for a left ankle disability has been denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection has been granted with an initial rating of 40 percent.

The Board denied all issues on appeal, including entitlement to increased ratings for the dry eye syndrome and service connection claims for various shoulder, knee, and back disorders. The denial of new and material evidence in reopening left and right shoulder disorder claims was also upheld.

The Board has granted the appellant's claims for service connection for left shoulder bursitis and rotator cuff disease, as well as left insertional Achilles tendonopathy. The right shoulder disorder claim is denied due to lack of evidence linking it to service or a service-connected condition. The left lower extremity disorder claim is referred to the RO for further adjudication.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder non-use adhesive capsulitis and bursitis are directly related to his service, including his participation in wrestling. The GERD is also found to be secondary to these conditions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right shoulder disorder and low back disorder. The claim for service connection for diverticulitis is pending, as is the claim for service connection for hypertension secondary to PTSD.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for postoperative residuals of a left shoulder injury has been granted, and he is now rated at 20 percent from January 16, 2007.,PTSD was granted service connection. The Veteran currently receives a noncompensable rating for hemorrhoids.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of various elbow, shoulder, knee, hip, and low back disorders have been denied. The Board found no evidence to support the establishment of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, arthritis of the right shoulder and cervical spine, as well as a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

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

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn regarding the issue of residuals of colonoscopy with polyp removal. The Board finds that service connection is not warranted for any of the other issues raised, as there is no evidence of a current disability or nexus to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's arthritis of the back, shoulders and neck is aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The Board also finds that he has a current disability related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The RO found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder and cervical spine disabilities are related to his active service. The claims for increased ratings of left knee disability have been denied.

The Board finds that the appellant does not have an additional left shoulder disability or aggravation of an existing injury due to the June 2005 and July 2005 surgeries. Therefore, his claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 is denied.