Shoulder decisions — 2010

The Veteran's right shoulder disability was rated at 10 percent prior to January 18, 2008 and subsequently increased to 30 percent effective September 1, 2009. The issues of service connection for memory loss, sleep problems, and aching joints in arms, legs, and back as due to undiagnosed illnesses were not addressed.

The Veteran does not have residuals of trauma to the shoulders that are attributable to military service. The VA examiner found no nexus between any current condition and any complaints in service.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left shoulder disorder, and assigned a 10% evaluation. The other issues were withdrawn by the Veteran prior to the decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral shoulder and cervical spine disabilities were not incurred or aggravated by his active service, nor can they be presumed to have been incurred during such service. The evidence does not establish a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's left shoulder and cervical spine disabilities are found to be related to his active service, granting the claims for these conditions. The right shoulder disability claim is pending as it relates to a secondary basis.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is necessary to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's left shoulder condition, as well as whether it is related to service. The case will be remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including prostate cancer and PTSD, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and needs further development before making a decision on the service connection claim for left shoulder disorder.

The Veteran's claim for higher initial ratings for atopic dermatitis was denied. The RO increased the disability rating from 10% to 30%, effective April 2006.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection, and his mild degenerative joint disease of the left shoulder received a compensable rating. The issue of bilateral hearing loss remains pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to insufficient evidence and need further development.

The Veteran's service records do not show any diagnosed conditions related to his claimed disabilities. The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a right shoulder disability, left hand disability, headaches, chronic fatigue syndrome, sleep disorder, or short-term memory loss that were incurred in or aggravated by his active military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder disability was incurred in service and granted service connection for it. The claim for jaw pain is remanded due to incomplete records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher initial evaluations and effective dates, finding that service connection had already been granted prior to February 27, 2007.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to incomplete records and need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is rated at 20 percent, effective October 2009. The Board found that a higher rating was not warranted prior to this date.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various disorders as secondary to her service-connected left knee disability are being reopened. The Board is requesting additional medical opinions and records in order to properly assess the relationship between these conditions and her service-connected left knee disorder.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to a lack of opportunity for a hearing before the Board. The case will be returned to the RO after the requested hearing.

The Veteran's cervical and thoracolumbar spine disabilities were granted increased ratings, while the left shoulder disability was found to have originated in service. The skin disorder of the fingers is presumed to be due to exposure to fuel in service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder, left ankle, and bilateral knee conditions have been granted. The diagnoses are all related to in-service injuries or diseases.