Shoulder decisions — 2010

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination reports and a need for clarification regarding the impact of the Veteran's service-connected shoulder disabilities on his daily activities. The claim will be reviewed after additional development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for various orthopedic conditions were denied. The initial rating decisions assigned non-compensable evaluations, and later adjustments did not result in a compensable evaluation.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the claim for service connection for muscle spasms of the neck and right shoulder.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of an injury to her right shoulder, finding new and material evidence in support of this claim.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was granted from April 12, 2006, to June 17, 2008. From April 12, 2006, to June 18, 2008, he is entitled to a rating of 10 percent for his degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development and review, as they are not ready for final decision.

The Veteran's left shoulder impingement syndrome is currently rated at 30 percent for the portion of the appeal period from August 19, 1999. The Board finds that this rating is appropriate based on the evidence showing severe impairment of Muscle Group I.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left ear hearing loss, arthralgia of the shoulders and ankles, and stomach disorder due to a lack of current disabilities. The Veteran is also no longer entitled to service connection for bilateral ankle disorders as they were granted separately.

The Veteran's right shoulder bursitis and a scar from lipoma excision on his back are service-connected. The appeal for residuals of lipomas is dismissed as the Veteran does not have any such condition.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeal for increased ratings as she withdrew her claims for kidney stones and right knee disability prior to the decision.

The Veteran's initial claim for service connection for a right shoulder disorder was granted, and she is currently receiving a 10 percent rating. However, her appeal sought an increased rating beyond the initial grant of service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is not service-connected, but his claims for back condition, left shoulder DJD, and left elbow degenerative arthritis are all granted as they are considered to be directly related to service.

The Veteran's appeal was withdrawn regarding hepatitis C. The Board denied service connection for arthritis of the back, neck, right shoulder, right arm, right leg, left leg, and left arm due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to assess the effect of his service-connected bilateral pes planus on his employability.

The Board finds that the Veteran's hepatitis C is related to his in-service use of IV drugs and high-risk sexual activity. Service connection for a left leg condition and a left shoulder condition are denied as there is no evidence of chronic conditions during service or continuity of symptomatology following service.

The Veteran's request for an increased initial evaluation for his right shoulder disability is being remanded due to the need to obtain additional VA treatment records.