Shoulder decisions — 2011

The Veteran's right shoulder disability was evaluated at a 30 percent rating from June 27, 2005, to July 12, 2006. The evidence does not show that the condition warranted a higher rating during this period.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a bilateral shoulder disability, increased ratings for his bilateral hip disabilities and left ankle disability. The decision also noted that new evidence had been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for effective dates earlier than November 20, 2003 for service connection of degenerative joint disease, left elbow and left shoulder were granted. The effective date is set at September 8, 2000.

The Veteran's neck and left shoulder disorders are presumed to have been incurred in service, but the Board finds no direct or secondary service connection is warranted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for various service-connected disabilities were denied. The evidence did not support a higher rating based on the current manifestations of his conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an increased initial rating for left shoulder dislocation is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examination and treatment records.

The Veteran's nonservice-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for chronic bronchitis with coughing and wheezing was granted, but the Board found that her PFT results did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 6600. The Veteran is currently rated at 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims of service connection for residuals of a head injury, cervical spine injury, right foot injury, low back injury, and right shoulder disability must be remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability was granted service connection, but a compensable rating is not warranted prior to November 19, 2007. From November 19, 2007 to December 17, 2007, the Veteran had limitation of abduction to 90 degrees (shoulder level), and thus warrants a compensable rating.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations are inadequate and requires additional evaluations for the Veteran's right shoulder and left knee conditions. The appeal is REMANDED to the Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder impingement syndrome and lumbar disc disease are related to his service, granting him service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for residuals, status post dislocated left shoulder (minor) was granted. The effective date is not specified as the issue relates to a current disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's neck, bilateral shoulder and low back disabilities were not incurred or aggravated during his active military service. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease at T-11 through S1 and right shoulder disability were both denied increased evaluations. The current ratings are 10% for the back disability and no rating has been assigned for the right shoulder disability.

The Board found no evidence linking the Veteran's diagnosed arthritis to his active service, and thus denied his claims for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for increased rating and service connection claims. The maximum schedular rating of 40 percent has been granted, but no higher as the disability is rated based on an amputation level.

The Veteran is found to be unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities, and a total rating based on individual unemployability is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected right shoulder disability is denied.