Shoulder decisions — 2010

The Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for bilateral hearing loss, a compensable rating for residuals of right cheekbone fracture, and service connection for various conditions have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an earlier effective date prior to June 13, 2003, as no claim was filed before this date. The Veteran's other claims were also denied.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for low back disability, left shoulder disability, and right shoulder disability due to new evidence. The claim for sleep disorder remains denied as no new material evidence was submitted.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred on August 31, 2006 at St. Vincent Medical Center in Toledo were not reimbursable due to lack of prior authorization and the fact that VA facilities were feasibly available.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and initial ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and the possibility of obtaining private medical records.

The Board found no sternal condition and chest pain or right shoulder disorder related to service. The Veteran's claim for reopening these claims was denied as new and material evidence was not provided.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board finds that his claim for TDIU is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to incomplete medical records and the need for further examination. The Veteran is also asked to provide additional information regarding his undiagnosed illness claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for further consideration of his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, including consideration of any new evidence submitted since the April 2010 supplemental statement of the case.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and medical treatment records from Fort Leonard Wood base hospital. The Veteran should also be asked to provide any outstanding private physician records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for his left shoulder and hip disorders, finding that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen the claim for residuals of a back injury. The Board also found that the Veteran's left shoulder and hip disorders were secondary to his service-connected left knee disorder.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for a chronic left shoulder disorder, which he claims was incurred during his Army Reserve duty. The Board has ordered the VA to verify the Veteran's active duty periods and obtain any available medical records related to this claim.

The Board found no service connection for the claimed conditions, including bilateral shoulder/hand/wrist disorders and a neurological disorder manifested by numbness in arms and legs. The Veteran's claims were denied as there was no objective evidence of such disabilities during or within one year after service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left shoulder disorder, cervical spine disorder, and stroke residuals. The Veteran did not have any in-service complaints or diagnoses related to these conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's current left shoulder disorder is not related to his military service or any incident therein, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected left shoulder disorder was not productive of limitation of motion to 25 degrees from the side prior to November 6, 2007 and on or after February 1, 2008. Therefore, his initial ratings for this condition were denied.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal in writing prior to the Board's decision.

The Board denied service connection for depression, bilateral foot fungus, right shoulder disability, low back disability, and residuals of hepatitis. The Veteran's claims were reopened but not granted.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability is rated at 30 percent, and his left arm neuropathy is rated at 60 percent. Both conditions meet the criteria for these ratings based on their severity.

The Board found that there is no evidence to support a connection between the Veteran's current right shoulder disability and his military service, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that further VA examination and medical opinion are needed to resolve the matter of service connection for a left shoulder disability due to conflicting statements regarding when the injury originally occurred.