Shoulder Board decisions

The Board has granted increased ratings for varicose veins, left leg; plantar fasciitis, left with Achilles tendonitis; and right shoulder impingement syndrome, major. The veteran's conditions are currently rated at the 10% level.

The Board found that the veteran's right shoulder disability and depression are not service-connected due to lack of evidence showing a direct link between his diabetes mellitus and these conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for right knee and shoulder disorders have been denied as new and material evidence was not received to reopen these previously denied claims.

The veteran's left shoulder disability, rated at the maximum level of 100 percent since April 2005, is granted. The TDIU claim is also granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed conditions, including right shoulder disability, left shoulder disability, back disability, residuals of right thumb injury including scar, and depression, were not incurred or aggravated during military service. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection for these conditions.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development due to the need for a new examination and obtaining relevant medical records.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for kidney stones, residuals of an injury of the eye, and left shoulder disorder. The veteran is not shown to have a current disability related to these conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a left shoulder or left foot and ankle disorder due to service, and therefore, denied his claims for service connection.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected disabilities were denied. The left ulnar neuropathy and carpal tunnel syndrome, as well as the arthritis of the left elbow, do not warrant a higher rating under applicable VA regulations. The right shoulder condition is also rated at its maximum allowable level.

The veteran's claims for service connection for Meniere's disease and an initial rating in excess of 40 percent for right shoulder impingement syndrome prior to March 6, 2002 were denied. The claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for the same condition from March 6, 2002 onwards was also denied.

The appeal has been dismissed as the appellant withdrew their appeal prior to a decision being made.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and development of his treatment records.

The Board has denied service connection for neurologic disability due to measles, left shoulder disability, and hypothyroid disability as there is no medical evidence linking these conditions to the veteran's military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected degenerative joint disease of the left shoulder, finding that the evidence did not show disability comparable to a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has determined that service connection for the claimed disabilities is not warranted.

The Board has determined that there is equipoise of evidence regarding whether the veteran's current left shoulder and neck muscle strain is related to service. As such, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for right shoulder disability and increased rating for left knee arthritis, finding that his current disabilities did not begin during service or as a result of service-connected disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected right shoulder disability does not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent, and his left foot disability is currently rated as 10 percent.

The veteran's right shoulder impingement syndrome with clavicular sparring and right hand paresthesia have been granted service connection, but the rating for right shoulder impingement syndrome is denied. The veteran was assigned a 20 percent initial rating for his right shoulder condition.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a right shoulder, upper back, or low back disability related to active duty service. The claims for sinusitis and right groin disabilities are denied as there is no evidence of current conditions. The claim for bilateral foot disability is denied due to lack of proof of present disability.