Shoulder decisions — 2009

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to February 10, 2004 for resumption of payment of disability benefits for service-connected post-operative left anterior shoulder dislocation with probable loose body was denied as there is no evidence that a claim was filed before February 10, 2004.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed right shoulder, elbow, wrist, ankle, and neck disorders are not related to service.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD, and there is no evidence linking any diagnosed condition to service. The claims for scars and bilateral hearing loss were also denied.

The veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The VA has granted a 20 percent disability rating for the appellant's left shoulder disability, which is currently manifested by pain and limitation of motion with x-ray findings for degenerative joint disease. The effective date is not specified.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions and records.

The Board denied service connection for all claimed disabilities, finding that the evidence did not support a link between any of these conditions and the Veteran's active service.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current disabilities of both shoulders, lumbar spine, cervical spine, and COPD were not incurred in or otherwise the result of his active military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed gynecological disorder, neuroglycopenia/reactive hypoglycemia, low back disability, left knee disability, and shoulder disabilities are not related to her active duty service.

The Board denied service connection for a back disorder and a right shoulder disorder, finding that the Veteran's current disorders are not related to his military service.

The Board finds that the recoupment of separation pay by withholding VA compensation benefits was proper based on the law as written.

The Veteran's tendinitis of the right shoulder has not been manifested by limitation of arm motion to shoulder level or to midway between the side and shoulder level since September 1, 2005. Therefore, an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent is not warranted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for additional development, including medical examinations and opinions regarding his bilateral shoulder disabilities, left knee disability, leg shortening, and use of crutches.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a VA examination to determine the current level of impairment due to his service-connected left shoulder disability.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the issues are dismissed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, and he is therefore entitled to a TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining information about claimed stressors and conducting VA examinations to clarify diagnoses and assess etiology.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for scheduling a Travel Board hearing at the RO due to conflicting vacation plans.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for a right shoulder strain was withdrawn. The Board granted service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder, finding that the Veteran had chronic symptoms since service and there is continuity of symptomatology.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found no evidence of a sinus disorder, and the Veteran's posttraumatic nasal septum deviation did not meet criteria for a compensable rating.