Shoulder decisions — 2010

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current condition is at least as likely as not related to his military service. The issues of service connection for a right shoulder disability and a bilateral hearing loss disability are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a travel Board hearing. The issues include service connection for various foot and knee conditions, as well as reopening of previously denied claims.

The Veteran's initial and increased rating claims for his service-connected right shoulder strain and right knee disability have been granted, with a 30 percent rating assigned effective March 11, 2009.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder tendonitis and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome are not service-connected. The right shoulder disorder is attributed to a workplace injury unrelated to active service, while the carpal tunnel syndromes are due to or aggravated by an injury incurred during inactive duty for training.

The Veteran's death was not caused by any service-connected condition, and the Board finds that his suicide does not meet the criteria for willful misconduct resulting in suicide.

The Board denied service connection for muscle spasms of the neck and shoulder blades, but reopened the claim. The new evidence established a current diagnosis of degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine, which is considered a chronic disability resulting from active duty service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for muscle pains, thoracolumbar spine disorder, bilateral shin splints, and muscle and joint pains due to an undiagnosed illness. The claim for increased ratings for retropatellar pain syndrome of both knees and headaches have also been denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral shoulder disability, PTSD, and a back/neck disability. The decision found that there was no evidence of an in-service injury or disease related to these conditions, and that any current disabilities were not shown to be related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to the RO for further development, including a new VA examination and consideration of his claims.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn with respect to the claims for left shoulder disability and low back disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling updated VA examinations and providing appropriate VCAA notice.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain the Veteran's Social Security Administration (SSA) records and other pertinent medical records. The claims will be remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran's right shoulder traumatic arthritis is rated at 60 percent, the maximum schedular rating available.

The Veteran's service connection claims for left ear hearing loss, back disability, right shoulder disability, hypertension, and residuals of frozen feet are all granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right and left knee disorders, a left shoulder disorder, and the Veteran's right shoulder and low back disorders due to inadequate development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to incomplete development of his claims, including the need for VA examinations and obtaining Social Security Administration records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left shoulder sprain is secondary to his service-connected right rotator cuff impingement syndrome, warranting a grant of service connection. The initial rating for the right rotator cuff impingement syndrome remains at 20 percent.

The Veteran's initial claim for a right shoulder disorder was denied, and he is seeking an increased evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease status post coronary artery bypass graft does not warrant a rating higher than 30 percent, and he is not in need of regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound.

The Veteran's appeal is granted, with a rating of 20 percent for the gunshot wound to the left foot effective from April 15, 2004.