Shoulder decisions — 2011

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability and a right shoulder disability, finding that there was no evidence of chronic disabilities present in or related to active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected right shoulder tendonitis is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records.

The Board has ordered a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current knee and shoulder disabilities are related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining National Guard treatment records and VA/VA Medical Center treatment records. The Veteran's tinnitus is also to be examined by a VA examiner, as are his bilateral knee, hand, wrist, and shoulder disorders if they were incurred during periods of active duty for training (ACDUTRA).

The Veteran's left shoulder disability is rated at 50 percent disabling, effective from November 19, 2009. The appeal was granted for the increased rating of the left shoulder disability.

The Board has determined that there is at least an equipoise of evidence regarding the Veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis of the left shoulder and contractures of the middle to ring fingers of both hands. Therefore, these conditions are granted as being related to active service.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic low back or right shoulder disability related to service, and thus denied the Veteran's claims for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left shoulder disability, which is manifested by abduction and flexion most severely limited to 90 degrees due to pain, history of recurrent dislocations, and some functional impairment due to pain, warrants a 20 percent evaluation. The evidence does not support an increase in rating beyond this level.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need to obtain additional information and records, including SSA records and treatment records from VA. The Veteran's claims for service connection on these issues are pending.

The Veteran's right shoulder condition was rated at 10 percent from April 13, 2007 to June 15, 2010 and increased to 20 percent thereafter. The left shoulder condition was also rated at 10 percent from April 13, 2007 to June 15, 2010 and increased to 20 percent thereafter.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder disability had its onset during active service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including VA examinations to determine the etiology of his left shoulder disorder and dental disability.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of the Veteran's left and right shoulder disabilities. The Veteran will be provided with an opportunity to report for the examination or provide notice if it is not possible.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder, left hip, right hip, and pelvis disabilities are at least as likely as not related to his period of active service. As such, these conditions have been granted service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA examinations and arranging for the Veteran to undergo appropriate VA examinations.

The Veteran seeks TDIU based on his service-connected right elbow, right wrist, left shoulder, and insomnia conditions. The case is being remanded for a VA examination to evaluate the impact of all of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and ensuring all relevant evidence is considered in the decision.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings are being remanded to allow for further examination and consideration of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board is remanding the case for further development to verify the appellant's service records and obtain VA treatment records, as well as arrange for an orthopedic examination.

The Board finds that the Veteran's claimed bilateral shoulder, knee, and back disorders are not related to his military service. The evidence does not show any in-service injury or disease leading to these conditions.