Shoulder Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for higher initial evaluations for his service-connected right shoulder arthritis, left great toe and knee degenerative arthritis, and bilateral hearing loss were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of more than the current assigned disability ratings.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and a bilateral shoulder disorder, finding that there is no evidence linking these conditions to his active duty.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic left shoulder disability during service or within one year after discharge, and the medical evidence did not establish a link between any current left shoulder disability and military service. The Veteran's assertions as to continuity of symptoms were deemed less credible.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability, which includes recurrent dislocation and arthritis, is currently rated at 30 percent. The Board has determined that a higher evaluation of 40 percent is warranted for the period beginning December 1, 2008.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder disorder is not related to his military service and therefore denied service connection for this condition. The Veteran's PTSD was found to meet the criteria for a 50 percent rating, but no higher.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder impingement does not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than November 20, 2008, for a right shoulder disability was granted. The initial rating of 10 percent for degenerative joint disease, lumbosacral spine, prior to November 20, 2008, and the increased rating to 20 percent after that date were also granted.

The Board has granted service connection for scars from shrapnel wounds to the back, finding that they were incurred during military service. The right shoulder, stomach, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his right shoulder wound residuals, including paresthesias in the right hand and wrist, was denied. His request for a higher rating on scars of the right scapular area and superior lateral aspects of the right shoulder, with moderately severe injury of muscle group II, has been withdrawn.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left ear hearing loss and right shoulder acromioclavicular degenerative arthritis with impingement syndrome, finding that his current hearing loss was not related to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a cervical spine disorder, and a left shoulder disorder. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's left shoulder disability did not meet or approximate the criteria for a compensable schedular evaluation during the appeal period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's myofascial pain of the right trapezius muscle is related to his period of service, and thus grants service connection for this condition. The reduction in ratings for hemorrhoids, left hip/groin strain, and left knee chondromalacia and osteoarthritis are also granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a right shoulder disorder that is causally or etiologically related to his military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and earlier effective dates have been denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating prior to January 23, 2009 or a rating in excess of 10 percent at any time for his basal cell carcinoma with actinic keratoses.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's allergic rhinitis and left shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis are service-connected, with no issues related to exposure basis or presumption.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to an internal inconsistency in the April 2010 VA examination report regarding joint ankylosis of his right shoulder. Additional development, including a new VA examination, is needed to determine if he has joint ankylosis and its impact on his ability to work.

The Board has granted service connection for a right shoulder disorder and found that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the claims of service connection for back and left wrist disorders. The Veteran's right shoulder disorder is deemed to be related to his active duty, while the back and left wrist disorders are considered to have developed due to pre-existing conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral wrist and ankle disabilities have been denied. Claims for bilateral hearing loss, hip disability, knee disability, and left shoulder impingement syndrome are pending.

The Veteran's spouse requires regular personal care assistance from another person due to various disabilities, and the Board has determined that she is in need of aid and attendance.