Shoulder Board decisions

The veteran's left shoulder disability, characterized by mild degenerative joint disease and limited motion to midway between the side and shoulder level, is currently rated at 20 percent. The Board finds that this rating adequately reflects his condition.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a left shoulder condition is being remanded due to the need to obtain medical records from Riverside Medical Center and ensure compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.

The Board has determined that the appellant's preexisting right shoulder, left tibia, and right ankle disabilities underwent an increase in severity during military service due to his active duty activities. Service connection is granted for these conditions on the basis of aggravation.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the case can be decided. This includes obtaining updated medical records, scheduling a VA examination for the veteran's low back strain and shoulder disability, and ensuring compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current left shoulder disorder is related to symptoms he experienced during his active service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted a 20% disability rating for chronic instability of the right shoulder as of May 14, 1997. The veteran's condition is rated based on limitation of motion under Diagnostic Code 5201.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including a left shoulder disorder, right ankle disorder, bilateral hand disorder, bilateral testicular disorder, and hearing loss. The RO assigned maximum schedular evaluations for these disabilities.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for recurrent dislocation of the right shoulder and resection of the left clavicle are being remanded due to incomplete information and need further development.

The Board found no competent medical evidence that the veteran's left shoulder disorder resulted from VA hospitalization or treatment, and therefore denied his claim for benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The veteran's arthritis of the right shoulder is not service connected, but his current 40% evaluation for a gunshot wound to Muscle Groups II and IV remains unchanged. The 20% evaluation for pleural cavity injuries residuals is also maintained.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an effective date prior to February 23, 1993 for service connection of his right knee, hip, and shoulder disorders secondary to a left knee disorder.

The veteran's appeal for increased evaluations of his tinnitus, gastroesophageal reflux, and left shoulder impingement has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal regarding the tinnitus issue.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for right toe disorder, back disorder, and right shoulder disorder. The claim for bilateral knee disability was granted with a 10 percent evaluation.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension due to lack of evidence showing it was incurred in or aggravated by active military service, nor could it be presumed to have been so incurred.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic urticaria, finding that it was incurred in service. The right shoulder disorder issue is pending and will be addressed in the remand portion of this decision.

The veteran's claim for compensation benefits under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for a left shoulder disorder, a low back disorder, a disorder of the middle back, and a neck disorder resulting from VA treatment in December 1985 is being remanded due to new legal requirements.

The Board has determined that there is no competent and probative evidence of a right shoulder disability, respiratory disorder, left elbow disability, or right knee disability in service or currently. Therefore, the veteran's claims for these conditions are denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left shoulder disability is related to his service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The VA denied an increased rating for postoperative residuals of right shoulder surgery, currently rated at 40 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right inguinal hernia residuals do not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation, as there is no evidence of recurrence or symptomatic residuals. The left shoulder condition was also reviewed and found to have no current functional impairment warranting an increased rating.