Shoulder decisions — 2010

The Veteran's left shoulder disability was rated at 10 percent prior to August 12, 2008 and increased to 30 percent after January 12, 2010. The appeal is denied as the rating assigned does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The VA has ordered a new examination due to the appellant's complaints of increased left shoulder pain and functional impairment since his last examination. The evaluation of his service-connected disability is on appeal.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records, as well as consideration of his claim for a TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for calcaneal bursitis, schizophrenia, and right shoulder impingement were denied. The Veteran was granted service connection for schizophrenia but with a noncompensable rating. The ratings for right shoulder impingement remain unchanged.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for a left shoulder disability, cystic fibrosis in the breast, and bilateral radiculopathy of the upper extremities. The claim for increased rating for sinusitis was also denied. The claim for compensable rating for status post left tympanic membrane operation (claimed as cholesteatoma) and left ear hearing loss were not addressed due to a separate issue with cystic fibrosis in the breast.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Veteran's left shoulder subluxation with degenerative joint disease is currently rated at 20 percent, and the evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for myofascial pain disorder in his upper back and shoulders. The case has been remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine the nature, extent, onset, and etiology of his diagnosed myofascial pain syndrome.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his left shoulder disability was granted, but the effective date is not specified.

The appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant before a decision was made.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a head injury with memory loss and bilateral arm disorder (right arm and shoulder) are denied as there is no evidence showing these conditions were incurred or aggravated by her military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for left shoulder malignant melanoma, finding that it is not related to his National Guard service.

The Veteran's cervical spondyloarthropathy with stenosis is rated at 10 percent, effective July 1, 2004. Service connection was granted for left elbow disorder and a disorder of the left shoulder and scapula, but an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for cervical spondyloarthropathy with stenosis remains denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding Social Security Records and clarification of an opinion in the November 2006 VA examination report.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder disability was not incurred or aggravated by active service and denied his claim.

The Veteran's right shoulder bursitis and sinusitis were granted increased ratings, with the right shoulder rating set at 10 percent effective October 9, 2009.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including sleep apnea, right and left shoulder tendonitis, depressive disorder, cervical spondylosis, lumbar degenerative discs, a left knee disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a left pelvic disorder, chronic fatigue syndrome, tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, sinus residuals of a rhinoplasty and septoplasty, a left foot disorder, hypertension, genitourinary (urethral) disorder, and rosacea on the nose, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since April 1, 2001. The Board finds that his service-connected disabilities meet the percentage criteria for TDIU throughout the entire appeal period.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and multiple joint pains, including as due to undiagnosed illness. The issues of increased ratings for his low back, cervical spine, right knee, and left knee disabilities were also addressed.

The Board finds that the Veteran's left shoulder, left hip, and eye disabilities are attributable to service. Therefore, these conditions have been granted as incurred in service.