Shoulder Board decisions

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, and denied his increased rating claims for traumatic arthritis of the lumbosacral spine, right shoulder, left knee, and bilateral hearing loss. The appeals were not about service connection at all.

The Board has granted service connection for low back strain, right shoulder disability, and inguinal hernia. The claims are based on direct evidence of in-service injury or disease.

The Board has determined that service connection for chloracne and nonspecific inflammation of the legs, shoulders, stomach, and eyes is granted. However, there was no evidence to support a compensable rating for right shoulder disability or an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for numbness of the third, fourth, and fifth fingers of the right hand.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for neck, low back, and right shoulder disorders. The VA found that there was no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his active service.,For the 1151 claim related to left knee and back disorders, the Board also denied the claim as there is insufficient medical evidence showing that the veteran's current disabilities resulted from VA treatment.

The veteran's initial disability ratings for his neck, left shoulder, and low back disabilities have been denied. The highest rating available under the applicable VA regulations is 20 percent for each condition.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete records and need for a VA examination.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a right wrist disorder and left shoulder disorder, finding that there is no current disability of either condition. The examiner did not address whether any aggravation of these conditions by service-connected disabilities occurred.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including proper notification and a VA examination.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for left shoulder disability, but remanded the issue of carpal tunnel syndrome of the left hand due to lack of new and material evidence. The veteran's current left shoulder disorder is likely related to his service-connected right arm amputation.

The veteran's back disability was rated at 20% prior to March 11, 2003 and increased to 40% beginning from that date. The left shoulder strain was rated at 30%. Both ratings are granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his service-connected low back disorder, left shoulder disorder, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, right femur fracture, and left femur fracture. The neuropathy of the lower right leg was also not granted a separate evaluation.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for VCAA compliance and verification of hearing request.

The Board found that the veteran did not have a current right shoulder disorder and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for cervical and thoracic spine disorders, right shoulder disorder, left shoulder disorder, and left hip disorder as secondary to his service-connected low back strain.

The Board found that the veteran's chronic left shoulder disability was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and denied his claim.

The veteran is seeking an earlier effective date for his 20% evaluation of the right ankle fracture and increased evaluations for both his right ankle and left shoulder disabilities. The case has been remanded to obtain additional medical evidence, clarify the veteran's claims, and schedule new examinations.

The veteran's service connection claim for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), to include as secondary to service-connected sarcoidosis, was denied. The Board found that the preponderance of evidence did not support a finding that the current GERD is related to active service or service-connected sarcoidosis.

The veteran's disabilities, including diabetes mellitus and left shoulder arthritis, are rated at a combined 80 percent. The veteran is entitled to special monthly pension at the housebound rate.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a VA examination to determine if the veteran's back, neck and shoulder disabilities are secondary to his service-connected Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a hearing at the RO level. The issues of service connection for hypertension, bilateral shoulder disability, and left inguinal hernia remain pending.