Shoulder Board decisions

The veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including a VA examination and review of his medical records to determine the current severity of his service-connected left shoulder disorder.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to independently perform daily functions of self-care or to protect himself from the hazards and dangers incident to his daily environment, meeting the criteria for special monthly compensation based on a need for regular aid and attendance.

The veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation for a severe wound to muscle group III of the right shoulder is denied as the current rating of 40% adequately reflects his impairment.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disability and arthritis of both shoulders, finding no new and material evidence to reopen the previously denied claims.

The veteran's cervical disc disease is rated at 10 percent from June 13, 2000, and at 20 percent from May 13, 2000. The right ankle disability does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation. The right shoulder arthritis is rated at 10 percent from June 13, 1996, and at 20 percent from June 24, 2000.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied, and the appeals for higher initial evaluations were also denied. The veteran was granted a reopening of his claim for irritable bowel syndrome on new evidence.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral shoulder pain and an initial compensable rating for right carpal tunnel syndrome, finding no current disability or evidence of recurrence.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete evidence and procedural issues, including a need for further development of the evidentiary record.

The Board has reviewed the evidence and found no competent medical evidence showing arthritis in the appellant's left shoulder, right hip, or knees. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The case is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a Travel Board hearing and handling of the increased rating issue, including determining an appropriate effective date.

The Board denied service connection for a left shoulder disability in December 1988. The new evidence submitted since then is not considered material and does not change the outcome of the case.

The RO denied the veteran's increased rating claim for his right shoulder injury and TDIU claim due to service-connected disabilities. The RO found that the evidence did not support a higher evaluation or entitlement to TDIU.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities are sufficient to render him unemployable without regard to his age and any non-service-connected disorders.

The Board has determined that the evidence is at least in equipoise, and therefore grants service connection for chronic epicondylitis of the elbows and residuals of a left shoulder injury.

The Board has granted increased evaluations for the veteran's right knee disorder and gastroenteritis, but denied his claims for an increased evaluation for his right shoulder disorder and a compensable evaluation for his left knee disorder. The claim to reopen service connection for bilateral hearing loss is also denied.

The Board has determined that there is no legal basis to assign an effective date earlier than April 17, 1996 for the award of service connection for arthritis involving multiple joints. The appeal is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to new and changed laws requiring additional development and notification.

The VA has determined that the veteran's cervical spine disability, including arthritis and disc disease, is currently manifested by moderate intervertebral disc syndrome with radiation to the left shoulder. The disability does not meet or approximate criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected disabilities do not warrant increased ratings for his shell fragment wounds to the left shoulder and right thigh.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's left shoulder disorder, including arthritis, as aggravated by his service. The other issues on appeal will be addressed in a separate remand.