Shoulder decisions — 2012

The Veteran's service-connected hidradenitis suppurativa and degenerative joint disease of the right shoulder do not render him unemployable due to his disabilities alone.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for his right shoulder, left knee, and right knee disabilities have been withdrawn.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional VA and private treatment records, as well as a new VA examination.

The Board granted service connection for bilateral pes planus and higher initial disability ratings for chronic left foot and ankle strain, degenerative joint disease of the left knee, herniated lumbar disc with radiculopathy, and degenerative joint disease of the right shoulder. The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral pes planus are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for right knee and right shoulder disabilities, finding that there was no evidence of injury or disability during a qualifying period of service.

The Veteran's claims for residuals of a chest injury, right shoulder disability, and head injury are denied as there is no current evidence of these conditions.

The Board has determined that there is no new and material evidence to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral shoulder sprain (bursitis), venereal warts, recurrent lumbosacral strain, scratched eyeballs, swollen, dry, itchy throat, and hypertension with history of abnormal ECG/EKG and other claimed heart pathology.

The Board found that the Veteran's current right shoulder arthritis is not related to service, including any right shoulder injury therein.

The Board finds that the Veteran's knee and neck disabilities are not related to his active service, but further examination is needed to determine their etiology.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right ankle and shoulder disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA examination reports.

The Veteran's claimed conditions were not shown in service or within the first post-service year, and have not been linked to a disease or injury of service origin. Service connection is denied.

The Veteran's claims for low back, left shoulder, left knee, and stomach disorders are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and development of his claims.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right shoulder and cervical spine disabilities are being remanded to allow for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling the Veteran for VA examinations.

The Veteran's low back disability was rated at 20 percent prior to October 27, 2008. The left shoulder impingement syndrome was also rated at 20 percent prior to that date.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current musculoskeletal disabilities, including left foot disability, low back disability, neck disability, left leg disability (including radiculopathy), left ankle disability, bilateral shoulder disability, bilateral elbow disability, and bilateral hand disability are related to a motor vehicle accident during service. As such, these conditions have been granted as service-connected.

The Veteran's appeal for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals of a left knee injury has been withdrawn. The issues of maxillary sinusitis with retention cyst and right shoulder osteoarthritis are pending.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the issues of entitlement to service connection for left shoulder arthritis, left hip/leg arthritis, and groin muscle hernia.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for PTSD, hemorrhoids, and tinea versicolor and seborrheic dermatitis have been granted. The effective dates are as follows: PTSD from February 2, 2001; hemorrhoids from August 29, 2000; and tinea versicolor and seborrheic dermatitis from December 26, 2006.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records review.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the etiology of his claimed conditions.