Shoulder Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of the current disability ratings.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and higher initial ratings were denied. The low back disability was not rated higher than 40 percent since February 1, 2008. The bilateral shoulder disorder may not be related to military service.

The Veteran's service-connected left shoulder bursitis and muscle spasm of the neck are currently rated at 20 percent, but the evidence does not support a higher rating as her range of motion is limited to 95 degrees forward flexion and abduction.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability causes limitation of motion at the shoulder level, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it does not cause limitation of motion to midway between the side and shoulder level or to 25 degrees from the side.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as there are no legal provisions for retroactive reimbursement of costs incurred by enrolling in a masters program not approved by the IWRP under the provisions of Chapter 31.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's claims of service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder, immune disorder, sinus disorder, and post-operative benign neck mass residuals including scars. The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability evaluation for acne vulgaris of the face, the neck, and shoulders and right forearm nummular eczema remains pending.

The Board has denied service connection for tinnitus due to a lack of evidence linking the condition to active duty service. The Veteran's claim for hearing loss is pending, as VA needs to obtain additional personnel records related to his Reserve status.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability, characterized primarily by subjective complaints of pain and a slight reduction in range of motion, does not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's nonservice-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance of another person or housebound status.

The Veteran's bilateral arthritis of the hands was found to have been incurred during active service. However, there is no evidence linking his current left shoulder disability to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss disability, left shoulder disability, right knee disability, and hypertension as there was no credible supporting evidence of a stressor and the Veteran did not engage in combat. The Veteran also had normal hearing during service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have been evaluated, and the appeal is denied as there are no new or material issues to reopen. The current evaluations for each condition remain unchanged.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for gouty arthritis of both feet and dislocation of the right shoulder, finding no evidence to support these conditions as being related to his military service.

The Veteran's right shoulder tendonitis is rated at 20 percent, effective January 13, 2003.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic right ankle disability, right shoulder disability, or bilateral hearing loss that is related to service. The Veteran's current disabilities are not considered service-connected.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for the cause of his death, as well as claims for non-service-connected death pension benefits and special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status. The Board also denied claims for increased evaluations in excess of 30 percent for residuals of gunshot wounds to the left shoulder involving Muscle Groups I, II, and IV, and for a separate compensable rating for left shoulder traumatic arthritis. Additionally, the claim for an increased evaluation in excess of 20 percent for C-5 radiculopathy was denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right shoulder disability is etiologically related to an in-service injury, warranting service connection.

The Board has determined that the appellant's current left shoulder disability is causally related to an in-service left shoulder injury, and thus service connection for residuals of a left shoulder injury is granted.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings on several service-connected disabilities have been withdrawn. The Board does not have jurisdiction to decide these claims.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative joint disease of the left shoulder was rated at 30 percent effective August 3, 2006. The rating is based on limitation of motion to 100 degrees flexion and 90 degrees abduction from the side.