Shoulder decisions — 2011

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation for his service-connected gout, as there is no current diagnosis of gout or associated symptoms. The Veteran's arthritis of multiple joints and right shoulder osteoarthritis are found to be related to active military service.

The Veteran's service-connected left and right shoulder tendonitis have been rated at the maximum available evaluation of 20 percent each, based on moderate arthritic changes with functional loss due to pain.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is necessary to determine the current nature and etiology of the Veteran's left shoulder disorder, including whether it is related to his military service or secondary to his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine at multiple levels and retrolisthesis of L5-S1. The case will be remanded for this purpose.

The Board found that the appellant's right shoulder disability was not incurred in active service and denied her claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left shoulder disorder is likely attributable to an injury sustained during service, and thus grants his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, as well as his claim for a TDIU prior to February 7, 2009. The decision also remanded several issues related to the Veteran's back disability.

The Board has granted service connection for headaches, a right shoulder disorder, and a left knee disorder. The Veteran's current conditions are related to his active military service.

The Director of the Compensation and Pension Service determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to work, thus denying his claim for a TDIU rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and evaluations to determine the current severity of his service-connected right knee, left shoulder, and hearing loss disabilities. The case will be readjudicated based on this new evidence.

The Board has ordered additional development to gather medical records and conduct examinations for the Veteran's service connection claims.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral thoracic outlet syndrome, finding that the evidence is at least in relative equipoise regarding whether the Veteran's condition was incurred during her active duty. The right shoulder disorder and loss of use of the bilateral upper extremities remain pending.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a right shoulder injury due to shrapnel wound has been granted. The left knee and right knee disability claims are pending as further examination is needed.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's left shoulder disorder, as well as whether it is related to service. The case will be remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected left shoulder disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of recent treatment records.

The Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is attributable to active duty service and he has been granted service connection for this condition. The Board also found that the Veteran's right shoulder disorder and left ankle disorder are not directly related to his military service.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a right shoulder disorder and finds that it is not related to service. The Veteran's left knee disability, bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, and tinnitus are not related to service.

The Veteran's diagnosed lumbodorsal back disability, including shoulder and hip pain, is considered service-connected due to an undiagnosed illness associated with Gulf War service.,Ankle joint pain is also considered service-connected as an undiagnosed illness related to Gulf War service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims of service connection for neck disability and bilateral shoulder disability, both secondary to his service-connected low back strain.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied due to lack of a current diagnosis. His combined disability rating remains at 80%.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right shoulder disorder is related to his in-service shoulder separation, and thus service connection for residuals of a right shoulder separation is granted.