Shoulder decisions — 2011

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right shoulder disability and sinusitis. The evidence now shows a link between these conditions and service, warranting their grant.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and post-service employment physicals. The appellant's service-connected low back disability, left shoulder disability, and bilateral knee disabilities are also to be evaluated.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine if the Veteran's tingling and numbness of the shoulder blades, tongue, and head are secondary to his service-connected peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's nonservice-connected disabilities, including degenerative changes at the acromioclavicular joint of the left shoulder and gastroesophageal reflux disease, do not meet the criteria for a permanent and total rating for non-service connected pension.

The Veteran's service-connected subdeltoid bursitis of the right shoulder is not shown to be productive of ankylosis, limitation of motion midway between the side and shoulder level, or malunion or recurrent dislocation of the humerus. The claim for a higher initial evaluation remains denied.,For the period from June 2, 1998, the Veteran's service-connected subdeltoid bursitis of the left shoulder is not shown to be productive of limitation of motion of the arm at shoulder level or midway between the side and shoulder level. The claim for a higher initial evaluation remains denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left shoulder disability, including impingement syndrome and degenerative arthritis, is related to his service-connected gunshot wound to the left elbow. The Board also found that the Veteran's vertigo was incurred during service.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood is found to be incurred in service, while the cervical spine disability and bilateral shoulder disability are not related to service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right knee and shoulder disabilities are being remanded to the RO for further development, including obtaining recent medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's service connection claim for residuals of a left shoulder injury and remanded it for further development. The claim is now addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including new VA examinations to assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected cervical spine and left shoulder disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to the RO for further development, including adjudicating a claim for an increased rating for left shoulder strain and readjudicating the T/R claim on appeal based on consideration of all service-connected disabilities. The RO must also furnish the Veteran with a Supplemental SOC regarding his hepatitis C rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination and issuance of a supplemental statement of the case to his current address.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sinusitis and a right shoulder disability, as well as an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to August 15, 2009, and initial ratings for tinnitus were denied. The Board found no in-service injury or disease related to these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's left shoulder scar is found to be incurred during his military service. The claims for a sinus disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus are granted.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left shoulder tendonitis and bursitis due to a lack of nexus opinions regarding preexisting conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of a left arm or shoulder disorder and there is no evidence linking any such condition to service. As such, the claim for service connection for a left shoulder and arm disorder is denied.

The Board has determined that the effective date for a 20 percent disability rating for service-connected left shoulder strain is April 28, 2005.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current disabilities related to his service-connected conditions or any in-service injuries, and therefore, denied all claims of service connection.