Shoulder Board decisions

The Board denied increased evaluations for the veteran's service-connected scars and chronic lumbosacral strain, but granted a noncompensable evaluation for orchialgia.

The Board denied the claims of service connection for arthritis affecting the left shoulder, leg, and jaw as secondary to service-connected gunshot wounds. The RO also denied reopening these claims due to lack of new and material evidence.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral defective hearing and a right shoulder disability, prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and effective dates for his left shoulder disability, chronic synovitis of the left elbow, and myofascial pain syndrome of the lumbosacral spine. The RO must review these claims again with consideration of the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected left shoulder dislocation and left anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction are denied as there is no evidence of severe recurrent subluxation or lateral instability in either condition, which would warrant a higher evaluation under Diagnostic Codes 5257.

The veteran's claim for restoration of a 20 percent evaluation for residuals of shell fragment wounds to the right neck and posterior right shoulder is granted from August 15, 1989.,The veteran's claims for increased evaluations for PTSD are denied as he failed to report for scheduled VA examinations without good cause.

The Board found that the veteran's current disability evaluation of 20 percent for his right shoulder condition adequately reflects the severity of his symptoms, as he does not have limitation of motion to a degree warranting an increased rating.

The veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis of the right knee, both shoulders, right hip, and thoracic spine are being remanded due to the need for additional development of medical evidence.

The Board has determined that the veteran's loss of use of his left hand does not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on loss of use of a hand, as he is still able to perform many functions using his left arm and hand.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a total rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disability prior to May 1, 1998.

The VA denied an increased rating for the veteran's left shoulder disability, which is currently rated at 20 percent. The evidence shows that the veteran has postoperative changes and mild atrophy in his left shoulder, but he retains functional use above the midway point from the side.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right shoulder disability, characterized as strain with arthritis, warrants a higher evaluation of 40 percent.

The veteran's appeal for service connection on all the listed issues was dismissed due to a failure to file a timely substantive appeal.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension and osteoarthritis of the left shoulder, left hand, and hips as these conditions were not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right shoulder and left shoulder disabilities, as well as his claim to reopen a previously denied neck disability. The evidence does not support a finding of new and material evidence for reopening the neck disability claim.

The Board has determined that the veteran sustained a right shoulder injury in service and currently has residuals of this injury, which qualifies for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right shoulder and left wrist disabilities, finding that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 10 percent under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has granted an increased rating to 20 percent for the veteran's service-connected right shoulder disability, but denied a higher rating. A separate 10 percent evaluation was also granted for a tender scar on the right shoulder.

The Board granted an increased rating to 20 percent for residuals of a right shoulder injury with traumatic arthritis, effective from the date of filing of his original claim.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his post-operative residuals of stabilization surgery for right and left shoulder dislocation, finding that the evidence does not support a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.