Shoulder decisions — 2009

The Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including PTSD and cyst removal residuals, were denied. The Board found no evidence of current disabilities or a nexus to service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits decisions. The Veteran's claim will be reviewed again based on new evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including an orthopedic examination to determine the etiology of his claimed low back disorder, left shoulder impingement syndrome, left knee disorder, and right leg cellulitis.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right shoulder disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and consideration of outstanding treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of any current back disability and left shoulder disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for PTSD and a shell fragment wound to the left shoulder with scar and residual posttraumatic degenerative arthrosis was denied. The initial rating of 10 percent for the shell fragment wound is upheld.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed disabilities, including residuals of fracture of left arm (excluding service-connected left elbow), right knee disability, residuals of injury to left fingers and hand, upper back disability, residuals of right hip fracture, and left shoulder disability, were not incurred in or aggravated by his active duty service.

The Veteran's low back disorder, left hip arthritis (status post total hip replacement), and right hip arthritis (status post total hip replacement) have been granted service connection.,Service connection for degenerative joint disease of the right shoulder has not been established.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased rating for right knee condition, service connection for a right hip disability (reopened), and service connection for other conditions. The decision also addressed issues related to his bilateral shoulder disability.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition. However, after reviewing all available records, including VA treatment records and VA examination reports, the Board finds that there is no causal relationship between the Veteran's current back condition and his active duty service. The same applies to his right shoulder and arm injury.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is manifested by flexion to 20 degrees or less and with pain. The Board has determined that a 40 percent evaluation, the highest available under DC 5201, is warranted for the entire appeals period.

The Veteran's posttraumatic left shoulder disability with glenohumeral joint arthritis is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that this rating adequately reflects his current functional limitations.

The Veteran's thoracic spine disability is not service-connected, and her cervical spine disability has been granted with a noncompensable rating initially but later increased to 10 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and review of Social Security Administration records.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary for the Veteran's claims of service connection for fibrocystic breast disease, migraine headaches, and a left shoulder condition. The claims are being remanded to schedule the Veteran for VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate evidence and procedural issues, including a need for new VCAA notice and additional development of inpatient records from Germany and Fort Riley.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed, including obtaining VA and private medical records, scheduling the Veteran for an orthopedic examination, and requesting a determination on whether service connection should be granted for right knee and right shoulder disorders.

The Veteran's death was not service-connected, and he did not meet the criteria for DIC under section 1318 as his total disability rating was not sustained for at least ten years prior to his death.

The Board is remanding the case to allow the Veteran to have a hearing before a Veterans' Law Judge at the RO, and for further development as needed.