Shoulder decisions — 2011

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD based on the Veteran's reported stressors related to his service in the Persian Gulf War. The other claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's disability rating for her service-connected RSD of the left shoulder was increased from 30 percent to 40 percent, effective March 1, 2010.

The Veteran's service-connected left shoulder disability, including its associated nerve injury and scars, is currently rated appropriately based on the severity of his symptoms. The current evaluations adequately reflect the functional impairment caused by these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left shoulder disability, finding that there is no competent evidence linking his current left shoulder arthritis to his active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for his left shoulder condition was denied. The current evaluation of 30% is the maximum available under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board found that the Veteran currently does not have a right shoulder disability and denied service connection for it. The claim for service connection of a left shoulder disability due to an undiagnosed illness was granted.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected left shoulder degenerative changes with calcific tendonitis was denied by the RO. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's right shoulder disorder and deviated nasal septum were granted service connection for purposes of accrued benefits. The right hand disorder claim was denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule a hearing at his local VA office. The issues include service connection for various conditions and evaluations for disabilities.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability claim was denied as his request for an increased evaluation did not meet the criteria.,VA determined that a valid overpayment of VA compensation benefits was created due to the Veteran's receipt of aid and attendance benefits after his wife's death, which he was no longer legally entitled to receive. The overpayment was subsequently reduced by two months' worth of additional benefits.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability was not found to warrant an increased rating before January 20, 2010.,Since January 20, 2010, the Veteran's left shoulder disability has been rated as 20 percent disabling.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as his service-connected residuals of a hernia do not warrant an increased rating or earlier effective date. The Board found that the current evaluation adequately reflects the severity of his disability.

The Veteran's effective date for additional compensation for his dependent spouse is denied as the evidence was not submitted within one year of notification and he did not submit current evidence of dependents status.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability of left shoulder, tinnitus, chest condition, abdominal muscle injury with sexual dysfunction, back condition, hamstring condition, or arthritis due to service. The claims are therefore denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for sleep apnea, degenerative joint disease of multiple joints (excluding shoulders), benign prostate hypertrophy, and hypertension. The evidence did not show a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of his medical records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and any pertinent VA or private medical records.

The Veteran's request to reopen a claim for service connection for left shoulder disability was granted. The case is being remanded due to the need for another Board hearing.

The Board has remanded the claims for chronic neck pain with right shoulder numbness and a right arm disability to obtain additional development, including obtaining an appropriate VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's appeal is remanded due to his failure to report for scheduled VA examinations and incomplete service treatment records. The case will be returned for further development.