Shoulder decisions — 2012

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and needs clarification on the etiology of the Veteran's right shoulder disorder, including a discussion of any in-service injury.

The Veteran's service-connected right shoulder strain with recurrent dislocation has been rated at 20 percent since April 10, 2009.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left shoulder impingement syndrome, as well as right and left patellofemoral syndrome. The Veteran's complaints of shoulder pain in service were noted, with diagnoses including shoulder sprain/strain and tendonitis. Current X-rays showed no arthritis but MRIs revealed bilateral impingement syndrome. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal of the issue seeking an entitlement to evaluation in excess of 50 percent for generalized anxiety disorder has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back, bilateral shoulder, and neck disabilities are secondary to his service-connected Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left shoulder AC joint osteoarthritis with impingement syndrome, bilateral hearing loss disability, and tinnitus. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service injury or disease related to these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of his claims, including obtaining private treatment records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings for his right foot, knee, and shoulder disabilities. The evidence did not support a current disability in any of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left shoulder supraspinatus tendinitis is at least as likely as not related to his military service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not require the aid and assistance of another person, as his psychiatric condition is severe but does not preclude him from attending to the needs of nature.,The Veteran's son, A.C.M., no longer qualifies for dependency benefits due to reaching adulthood.

The Board has determined that additional examinations and development are needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's September 1, 2009 substantive appeal was not timely filed and thus his claims were denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining private medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left shoulder disability clearly and unmistakably pre-existed his period of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) and was aggravated by service. Therefore, service connection is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records and a VA examination to determine if his right shoulder disability is related to service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for sinus problems, allergic rhinitis, a right shoulder disorder, a neck disorder, and tinea versicolor. As such, these claims remain denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed right shoulder disorder and residuals of a neck injury were not incurred in or aggravated by active service, and thus denied his claims for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's current mild degenerative arthritis of the right shoulder is not related to his military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's osteoarthritis of the left shoulder with tendonitis was incurred in service, as it is less likely than not permanently aggravated by a pre-existing condition.

The Veteran is granted an annual clothing allowance for the 2010 calendar year due to his service-connected skin disorder causing permanent stains on his clothes.