Shoulder decisions — 2011

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his service-connected left shoulder disorder was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Veteran's appeal has been granted, and he is now receiving a TDIU. The issues of service connection for hypertension, diabetic retinopathy, PTSD, tinnitus, right hand disorder, left shoulder disorder, and skin rash have all been withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral knee and right shoulder disabilities are being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine if service connection can be established.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability has been rated at 20 percent since October 14, 2009. Prior to that date, the disability was rated at 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and identifying specific surgeries. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Veteran's 30% rating for left shoulder subluxation is restored effective January 1, 2008.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to clarify the Veteran's service status during specific periods of time, and thus the case is being remanded for further action.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a Travel Board hearing. The current rating of 20 percent for residual weakness, status post dislocation of the right shoulder remains unchanged.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including PTSD and depression, due to lack of evidence supporting their onset or association with service.

The Veteran's diagnosed bilateral shoulder, right knee, and bilateral ankle disabilities have not been shown to be related to service or Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for frozen left shoulder with impingement and degenerative joint disease was granted, but the effective date remains at August 3, 2006. The Veteran also received service connection for this condition on that same day. However, he is still seeking an earlier effective date.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the case for further development of issues including service connection for back, neck, and right shoulder disabilities. The Veteran's claims are pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including right ear pain, leukoplakia, GERD, bruxism, left knee disability, impingement syndrome of the right shoulder, cervical spine DJD, lumbar spine DJD, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction were denied as there is no current evidence of a diagnosed condition or link to service.

The Veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for right shoulder tendinopathy with retained shrapnel and chondromalacia patella of the right knee are being remanded due to the need for additional examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not currently suffer from Cushing's Syndrome and her other claimed disabilities are not related to service.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability, which is currently rated as 20 percent disabling under Diagnostic Code 5201 (limitation of motion to shoulder level), has been found to warrant a higher 30 percent evaluation based on additional functional impairment due to pain and weakness.

The Board has found that traumatic arthritis of the right foot, status post motor vehicle accident, did not pre-exist service and was not aggravated by service. Therefore, it is not presumed to have been incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board granted service connection for depression and dysthymic disorder, but denied claims for right shoulder disability and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The Veteran's depressive symptoms are linked to his service-connected PTSD. His right shoulder disability is not shown to be related to active service. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is not currently manifested.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and scheduling VA examinations.