Shoulder Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for intervertebral disc syndrome and left shoulder radiculitis. The remaining issues are pending further action.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left shoulder disability, which includes recurrent dislocations with traumatic arthritis and partial fibrous ankylosis, warrants a 30 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 5201. The evidence does not support a higher evaluation as there is no finding of unfavorable ankylosis or nonunion of the humerus.

The Board denied an effective date prior to February 25, 1999 for the TDIU rating because it was not factually ascertainable that the veteran was individually unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities within one year of the assigned effective date.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, finding that his cause of death (sepsis) was not related to his service or a service-connected disability.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a left neck condition, left shoulder and arm condition, removal of the ovaries, cystitis, and hypothyroidism. The issues related to these conditions were all found to be without merit.

The Board found that the veteran's current right shoulder disorder is not related to his time in service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including a right shoulder disability, left shoulder disability, skin cancer, pain and numbness of the right knee and great toe, pain and numbness of the left leg, hearing loss, and tinnitus. The claim was decided on the merits without any presumption based on Agent Orange exposure or other specific service connection theories.

The veteran's cervical spine disability is rated at 20 percent, and her right shoulder disability is rated at 30 percent. The veteran's psoriasis has been granted with a rating of 30 percent effective May 23, 2003.

The case is being remanded for VCAA notice and to re-adjudicate the service connection claims, as they are inextricably intertwined with the DEA eligibility claim.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis of the right shoulder, right knee, and left knee as there is no evidence showing these conditions were incurred or aggravated during his military service.

The Board found that the veteran's hypertension, bilateral arm tremors, and right shoulder disability were not incurred or aggravated by service. The claims for these conditions are therefore denied.

The Board has determined that there is no diagnosed otitis media, low back condition, or right shoulder condition and thus service connection for these conditions cannot be granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and incomplete medical records, requiring further development.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and residuals of a gunshot wound of the right shoulder, finding no competent evidence showing these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board has ordered a remand due to incomplete compliance with previous remands and the need for additional medical opinions regarding the onset of the veteran's knee and shoulder disabilities, as well as whether they are related to service.

The veteran's left wrist fracture residuals are currently rated as noncompensable, and his right shoulder surgery residuals are rated at 10 percent. The Board finds that neither condition warrants a higher rating.,The veteran seeks an increased rating for his right shoulder surgery residuals, but the evidence does not support such a finding.

The veteran's claim for reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred in Canada is granted as the treatment was related to a service-connected disability and deemed necessary.

The Board denied service connection for sternum injury, left shoulder tendonitis (left shoulder disability), and cervical spine disability as there was no evidence of current disabilities or a link to service.

The Board has ordered additional development to determine the etiology of the veteran's claimed disabilities, including whether they are related to service or an undiagnosed illness.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a back injury, left foot disorder, and disability involving his right side. The appeals were all denied as new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen these claims.