Shoulder decisions — 2011

The Board found that the Veteran's left shoulder disability was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and is not related to his service-connected right shoulder condition. As a result, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional medical examination and development of her claims, including a TDIU claim.

The Veteran's service-connected right shoulder tendonitis with rotator cuff repair and capsulitis resulted in a period of convalescence from May 1, 2008 to November 22, 2008. The Board granted the temporary total rating under 38 C.F.R. § 4.30 for this period.

The Board has determined that the appellant's bilateral shoulder disability is due to an undiagnosed illness and grants service connection for this condition.

The evidence does not show that the Veteran's left shoulder disability more closely approximates limitation of motion at shoulder level or midway between the side and shoulder level prior to April 3, 2010. For the period from April 3, 2010 forward, the evidence does not show that his left shoulder disability more closely approximates limitation of motion to 25 degrees from the side.

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

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including fibromyalgia and related disabilities of the neck, thoracic spine, lumbar spine, shoulders, and legs, have been granted.

The Veteran's service-connected right shoulder strain is currently rated at 20 percent, but does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation as his range of motion is limited to no less than 80 degrees.

The Board found that the Veteran's cervical spine disorder, claimed as a right shoulder disorder, and left knee disorder were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The evidence did not establish a direct relationship to service.

The Board has granted the appellant's request to reopen his claims for service connection for osteoarthritis of the right shoulder and an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding new and material evidence. The claim for service connection for these conditions is now considered on its merits.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his request for a Travel Board hearing. The case will be processed according to the established appellate procedure.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating prior to January 17, 2007 and did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent from January 17, 2007.

The Veteran's chronic strain of the left paravertebral upper thoracic musculature is as likely as not related to military service, and she has a current diagnosis of a middle back disability. The Board finds that her right shoulder disability and left shoulder disability are less likely than not related to service.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, particularly his low back, left knee, and left shoulder conditions, prevent him from continuing in his position as a machinist due to their severe effects on his ability to work. The Board finds that the cumulative effect of these disabilities makes it impossible for the Veteran to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to determine the relationship between the Veteran's generalized arthritis and his service, including any potential secondary effects from his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a left shoulder disability that he claims is secondary to his service-connected hand disabilities. The Board has determined that further development, including a VA examination, is needed before the claim can be decided.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain updated medical evidence and conduct further examinations for the Veteran's bilateral shoulder disorders.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for a back disability, right shoulder disability, and skin conditions. The Veteran's current disabilities are presumed to be related to his Vietnam-era exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran's claims for service connection on appeal are being remanded to the RO for a Travel Board hearing. The issues of whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen his hip, knee, shoulder, wrist, heel, and ankle disability claims remain unresolved.