Shoulder decisions — 2011

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of his claims, including obtaining Social Security Administration (SSA) disability determination records and medical records.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his left shoulder disability from May 18, 2006 to April 22, 2007 was denied as there is no objective evidence of limitation of motion at the shoulder level. Since April 23, 2007, a 20 percent rating has been granted for his left shoulder disability.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for sickle cell anemia due to new and material evidence. The claims for service connection for a skin disorder, right knee condition, numbness of the bilateral lower extremities, and a lower back condition are denied as there is no medical evidence linking these conditions to his active service. The claim for compensation under 38 C.F.R. § 1151 for aggravation of a right shoulder condition is dismissed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including hypertension, coronary disease with dilated cardiomyopathy, residuals of frostbite, headaches, shoulder disability, and depression/anxiety. The claim for an eye disability was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's initial ratings for his service-connected left shoulder and cervical spine disabilities have been granted, but the RO has not yet assigned effective dates. The Veteran seeks higher initial ratings.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his recently connected right shoulder condition and hearing loss, make it at least as likely as not that he is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including left hip dysplasia, removal of the uterus, chronic tendonitis of the left shoulder, spondylolysis of the lumbar spine, cervical strain with trace bulging at the C4-5, C5-6 and C6-7 levels, chronic tendonitis left knee, uterine fibroids, and removal of the right ovary, have rendered her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for service-connected right and left shoulder thoracic outlet syndrome are being remanded to allow for additional development of his medical records.

The Veteran was found to be in need of aid and attendance due to his service-connected lumbar spine and left shoulder disabilities from December 1, 2002 to May 31, 2006. He is not housebound.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the right knee injury is not related to service, bursitis of the right shoulder does not warrant a higher rating, and the flexion deformity of the right index finger does not meet criteria for an extraschedular evaluation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a right shoulder and arm disorder, finding that her current condition is not related to her active duty service.

The Board finds that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's current bilateral shoulder disability is related to service, and grants service connection for a bilateral shoulder disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to inadequate medical examinations and incomplete service treatment records. Further examination is needed, and the RO must obtain his ACDUTRA service records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied, and the RO increased his ratings for adhesive capsulitis of both shoulders. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus was rated as 20 percent disabling, and he was granted peripheral neuropathy in both lower extremities. Service connection for foot degenerative joint disease, metatarsalgia, fat pad atrophy, and hypertension were not established.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim to reopen her service connection for generalized arthritis, involving the knees and shoulders, finding that no new and material evidence had been submitted.

The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for service-connected traumatic arthritis of the right shoulder and remanded other issues. The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbar strain, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, TDIU, and extension of special monthly compensation were denied.

The Veteran's left shoulder shell fragment residuals have been rated as a 10 percent disability, reflecting moderate muscle group IV injury.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left shoulder and ischemic heart disease are service-connected due to exposure to herbicides during his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed cervical spine, shoulder, and knee disorders are not related to service. The evidence does not show a chronic disability of these conditions during service or within one year after separation from service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right shoulder disorder is not related to his active service and denied his claim for service connection.