Shoulder Board decisions

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for his increased evaluation of shell fragment wound left shoulder, trapezius and supraspinatus muscles with impingement syndrome and post traumatic arthritis, acromioclavicular joint (minor) evaluated as 30 percent disabling was dismissed because the appeal is not timely filed.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings were granted, with the right shoulder and TMJ disabilities receiving a higher rating from March 15, 2005. The right knee strain received a compensable rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine, cervical spine, and right shoulder disabilities as secondary to his service-connected right elbow disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed cervical spine, back, right shoulder, and right hand disabilities are not service-connected.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for chronic low back pain with degenerative joint disease, bilateral shoulder disability, right knee disability, right leg disability, and skin disorder due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for VA examinations and compliance with duty-to-assist requirements.

The Board found that the veteran's claimed conditions did not have their onset during service and are not related to his military service. The claims for service connection were denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have any current disabilities related to his service-connected fractured nasal bone. For his lumbar spine, shoulder, and knee conditions, the evidence does not support a finding of in-service disease or injury. Therefore, these claims are denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records related to the veteran's shoulder surgery and treatment. The appeal is now pending with the RO.

The veteran has withdrawn his appeal for all issues except the claim of entitlement to an increased rating for seborrheic keratosis of the face, arm, hands, and right ear.

The veteran's service-connected chronic low back pain with mild wedge compression and marginal spurs is rated at 10 percent since February 9, 2000.

The Board finds that the veteran's renal cell carcinoma, initially noted during service in 1995 as minimally suspicious for cancer, was incurred in service and grants service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right shoulder disability warrants a 30 percent evaluation, which is in excess of the current 20 percent rating. The condition is characterized by frequent dislocation and guarding of all arm movements.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining authorization for any outstanding VA or private treatment records and scheduling the veteran for appropriate VA examinations.

The veteran's service-connected right hip and left hip conditions have been rated at the minimum of 10 percent, with no evidence of additional disability warranting a higher rating. The veteran's service-connected left shoulder bursitis has also not met the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including hypertension, epistaxis or nosebleeds, skin disease (fungal infection of the feet), sleeplessness or restlessness, urinary tract infections, a temper condition, and joint pain of the shoulders, fingers, and knees. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred in service.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical strain and right shoulder disability, but denied requests for higher initial ratings. The veteran's cervical strain is currently rated at 10 percent since November 10, 2002.

The Board found that the veteran's scars of the left shoulder and anterior neck do not warrant a compensable rating on a schedular basis due to lack of evidence indicating they cause limitation of motion or function.

The Board has denied a rating in excess of 30 percent for the veteran's service-connected traumatic arthritis of the left shoulder with recurrent dislocation.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right shoulder disorder, including degenerative arthritis, is causally or etiologically related to service and grants the claim for service connection.