Shoulder decisions — 2011

The Veteran's initial increased disability rating for residuals of shell fragment wounds of the left shoulder was granted, but his claim to reopen a previously denied service connection for residuals of pulmonary embolism and his claim for service connection for residuals of mortar fragments on back were both denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining relevant VA and private medical records, scheduling a skin condition examination, and ensuring compliance with prior Board remand instructions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection was not received prior to June 13, 2008. As such, the effective date for his granted benefits is set at June 13, 2008.

The Board found that the Veteran's left shoulder disorder, which is currently rated at 20 percent under DC 5201, does not warrant a higher rating. The issue of entitlement to TDIU was also denied as there is no evidence showing the Veteran is unemployable due to his service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates were denied. The Board found that the diabetes mellitus did not warrant an evaluation in excess of 20 percent, as it only required a restricted diet and insulin.

The Board has granted service connection for arthritis of the right knee, finding that it is presumed to have occurred during active military service. The other claims are denied.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the schedular requirements for assignment of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and development of evidence, including a need for an opinion regarding whether the Veteran's current right shoulder disability is related to service or post-service injuries.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the current severity of his lumbar spine disability. The issues of increased evaluations for left shoulder disability and hypertension are also being addressed.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for joint pain and muscle pain secondary to service-connected ulcerative colitis (Crohn's disease) due to procedural issues.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability did not meet the criteria for a higher initial rating prior to May 29, 2009. His hypertension was also found to be non-compensable prior to April 22, 2008.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for bilateral shoulder, hip, knee, ankle disabilities and tendonitis. The Board finds that a VA examination is necessary to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including verification of service dates and obtaining clinical records. A VA examination is also required to determine if any current right knee, right ankle, right shoulder, or back disorders are related to service.

The Board found no evidence of a current right shoulder disability and denied the Veteran's claim for service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD, right shoulder condition, and foot condition were all denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings.

The Veteran's claims for initial compensable evaluation and increased ratings for his service-connected right shoulder injury were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating from February 14, 1973 to September 29, 2000 or an evaluation in excess of 20 percent thereafter.

The Veteran's claimed right arm and low back disorders are not shown to have originated in service or be related to any event, injury, or disease therein. The Board finds no evidence of chronic symptoms following service discharge.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of any diagnosed shoulder disorder. The Veteran's claim will be returned to the AOJ for further development and consideration.

The VA denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a right shoulder disorder, finding that there was no evidence linking his current condition to active military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current shoulder or right groin disability that is causally related to service. As such, his claims for service connection are denied.