Shoulder decisions — 2011

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran, and the RO must review this evidence before making a decision on the claims of service connection for type II diabetes mellitus and left shoulder disorder.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for increased ratings for his right hip replacement and service connection for a left shoulder disability, as well as a claim for TDIU. The ROs have issued decisions on these issues but the Veteran has expressed disagreement with them. The case is being remanded to issue SOC's and schedule VA examinations.

The Board finds that the Veteran's left shoulder disability is related to his in-service injury and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability is currently rated at 20 percent, effective November 1, 2007. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating for this period.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a videoconference hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the RO, as requested.

The Veteran's appeal of the claims for service connection for a left eye stye and right ankle strain has been withdrawn. The remaining service connection claims are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA medical examinations to determine the etiology of his claimed bilateral heel stress fractures and related disabilities.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a left shoulder disability, possibly Hirayama disease, and an undiagnosed illness related to his service in the Persian Gulf War. The claim is being remanded due to the need for further medical examination and opinion regarding the nature of the Veteran's symptoms and their etiology.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, which include major depressive disorder and multiple joint issues, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as of June 1, 2008. The Board has determined that he meets the criteria for a TDIU effective from this date.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to the Veteran's failure to appear at previously scheduled hearings and his requests for a video conference hearing.