Shoulder Board decisions

The VA denied an increased evaluation for the veteran's right shoulder disability, which is currently rated at 40 percent. The evidence showed significant limitation of motion to a point where it was limited to midway between the side and shoulder level with pain.

The Board has determined that the veteran's postoperative left shoulder disability warrants a 20 percent evaluation, which is the maximum schedular rating available under VA regulations.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection of various conditions, including head injury, back disability, shoulder disorders, foot injuries, eye disorder, heart disorder, lung disease, psychiatric disorder, diabetes mellitus, asbestosis, COPD, cervical spine disorder, hemorrhoids, tinnitus, and loss of teeth are not supported by the evidence of record.

The veteran's multiple service-connected and nonservice-connected disabilities prevent him from achieving a vocational goal, thus feasibility of additional vocational rehabilitation training is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the veteran's current conditions are at least as likely as not related to in-service noise exposure. The claims for cold injury residuals of the left shoulder and right hand, heart disability, and head injury (now claimed as scars resulting from shell fragment wounds) have been remanded due to incomplete medical records.

The Board has granted service connection for tendonitis of the feet and residuals of a dislocated left shoulder, finding that these conditions were aggravated by service.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no evidence showing it was incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board is remanding the case to obtain additional medical records and provide the veteran with another opportunity to submit evidence. The claims for service connection for back and left shoulder disabilities will be reconsidered based on the new information.

The Board has granted an initial 10 percent rating for the veteran's service-connected right shoulder disability, effective October 1, 2001. The prostate disorder claim is denied as there is no current diagnosis of a prostate condition.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unemployable, and the Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and providing proper notice to the veteran.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and a need for further examination. The veteran's right shoulder disorder is being reviewed in relation to his service-connected left arm disorder.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected right arm and shoulder disabilities.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura and an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for left shoulder disability. The evidence did not establish current residuals or a recurrence of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right knee and right shoulder disabilities are not service-connected, as there is no evidence of chronic conditions related to service. The Board found that any current right knee disorder is more likely due to a post-service injury in 1977, while the right shoulder disability was first noted after 20 years following service.

The Board granted an increased disability rating of 10 percent for the veteran's service-connected left shoulder arthritis and left shoulder separation residuals (acromioclavicular joint reconstruction) prior to October 16, 2001.

The veteran's claim for increased ratings and a temporary total disability rating were denied. The case was remanded multiple times, but no further action has been taken.

The Board found no evidence of current heart murmur, hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux disease, or arthritis of the shoulders. The veteran's claims were denied as there is insufficient medical evidence to establish service connection for these conditions.

The Board found that the veteran currently does not have arthritis of the knees, shoulders, and ankles. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed disabilities of tinnitus, eye condition, right foot spur, low back disorder, and bilateral shoulder condition were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The claim for a higher initial rating for left ankle disability is referred to the RO.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for a chest disability, right elbow disability, left shoulder disability, or back disability. As such, these claims remain denied.