Shoulder decisions — 2011

The Board has determined that new evidence supports reopening the claims for service connection for left shoulder disability and osteoarthritis involving spine, knees, and hips. The Veteran's current conditions are presumed to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left shoulder disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination.

The Veteran does not have a left shoulder disability that was caused or aggravated by his active military service, or by a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected cervical, thoracic and lumbosacral degenerative disc disease with radiculopathy and right shoulder condition are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of medical records.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the Veteran's service-connected disabilities. The Social and Industrial Survey will also be conducted to determine the impact of these disabilities on his employability.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current left shoulder disability, and thus cannot establish service connection for residuals of a rotator cuff tear.

The Board has granted an increased rating of 40 percent for adhesive capsulitis of the left shoulder, effective May 25, 2006. The Veteran's TDIU claim was also granted.

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings on his right hand and wrist conditions, as well as service connection for a left arm/shoulder disability, have been withdrawn. The TDIU claim is also dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development and adjudication, including obtaining updated medical evaluations and opinions regarding his ability to engage in the profession of massage therapy.

The Board finds that there is no evidence of a left shoulder disability during service or for many years thereafter, and the current diagnosis is not attributable to service. The Veteran's current left shoulder disability was not caused by his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD), a dental condition, and a bilateral eye disorder. The remaining claims were also denied.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent, as it does not result in favorable ankylosis of the scapulohumeral articulation with limitation of abduction to 60 degrees or limitation of motion of the arm to shoulder level.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current left shoulder strain is not related to his military service and thus denies his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a hearing loss disability as defined by VA regulations and denied service connection for this condition. Service connection was granted for allergic rhinitis, but no compensable rating is warranted for either shoulder disorder prior to May 27, 2008. The criteria for a higher rating are also not met for the Veteran's shoulder disorders since that date.

The Veteran's current cervical spondylosis, degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, and right upper extremity radiculopathy were diagnosed in service. The Board finds that entitlement to service connection for a cervical spine disorder is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations and obtaining outstanding medical records.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his request for withdrawal of the claims for carotid body tumor, itchy bumps on scalp and fatty oily skin bump/acne under the eye, bowel constipation, extreme coughing until nauseous, sleep apnea, problems with teeth, numbness in arms and shoulders while sleeping, and enlarged prostate.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral shoulder disability, neck disability, and radiculopathy of bilateral upper and lower extremities as secondary to his low back disability. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to his service-connected low back disability.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal prior to the Board issuing a decision.

The Board has remanded the case due to scheduling issues, including a need for a videoconference hearing.