Shoulder Board decisions

VA denied the veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for arterial hypertension, migraine headache with post-traumatic exacerbation, PTSD, peptic ulcer disease and hepatitis C, right shoulder pain, tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, facial and scalp rash, and sinusitis and rhinitis.,VA denied the veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder pain, tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, facial and scalp rash, and sinusitis and rhinitis. However, VA granted service connection for PTSD and assigned a 10 percent evaluation effective August 1, 2000.,VA denied the veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for peptic ulcer disease and hepatitis C.

The Board denied service connection for a left shoulder disability and liver disorder both claimed as secondary to the veteran's service-connected seizure disorder due to lack of evidence showing these conditions are related to his service-connected condition.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral pes planus and left shoulder disorder do not meet or approximate the criteria for a compensable rating under VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities. Therefore, the claims for higher initial ratings are denied.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, finding no evidence of current disabilities or a link to service.

The veteran's right wrist disorder is asymptomatic, while his right shoulder disorder is manifested by pain with abduction to 85 degrees. His service-connected right wrist and shoulder disorders are rated as 10 percent disabling.

The veteran is entitled to additional special monthly compensation for aid and attendance due to his need for regular assistance from another person, as a result of both his lower extremities disability and right shoulder DJD.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for extension of a temporary total disability evaluation based on surgery performed in July 1998, finding that he did not require post-hospital convalescence beyond October 31, 1998.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his right shoulder disability was denied in the June 1999 RO decision. The case is being remanded to allow for de novo review and consideration of all evidence.

The Board has determined that there is a need for further VA assistance in obtaining additional service medical records and conducting examinations to determine the current existence and etiology of claimed conditions, as well as the severity of the veteran's low back disorder. The claims will be remanded for these actions.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's stomach condition. The issue of service connection for a left shoulder injury is pending and will be remanded to the RO.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities have not worsened to the extent that they preclude him from performing his occupation as a cook, and the occupation is not unsuitable on the basis of his specific employment handicap.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and readjudication due to issues raised by the veteran's claim of unemployability, VCAA compliance, and need for additional medical evidence.

The Board found that the veteran's current right shoulder disability was not caused by his service-connected gunshot wound of the left scapula and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and a compensable evaluation for his right shoulder disability due to lack of evidence linking current conditions to service.

The Board has denied an increased evaluation for the veteran's right wrist disability and has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen her claims of service connection for cervical spine narrowing, osteophytic impingement, and right shoulder disability. The veteran's right wrist disability is currently rated at 10 percent under Diagnostic Code 5215 due to mild limitation of motion with pain. The Board found that the veteran's cervical spine narrowing and osteophytic impingement and right shoulder disability may be associated with her period of active service, but did not reach a decision on whether they were incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that a higher evaluation of 20 percent is warranted for the veteran's service-connected left shoulder acromioclavicular joint separation. The issue of entitlement to service connection for degenerative joint disease of the lumbosacral spine is being remanded due to incomplete information and need for further examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left shoulder disability is service-connected, with no specific rating assigned and no effective date provided.

The Board found no evidence of a current left shoulder disorder and denied the veteran's claim for service connection.

The veteran's multiple chronic conditions, including coronary artery disease and generalized anxiety disorder, prevent him from dressing, attending to his wants of nature, and protecting himself from daily hazards. He is not blind or helpless, nor does he require the regular aid and attendance of another person due to being housebound.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining pertinent medical records and conducting a VA examination to assess the veteran's employability due to his service-connected disabilities.