Shoulder decisions — 2012

The Veteran's left shoulder disability was rated at 30 percent from November 23, 2010 to September 21, 2011.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disability (CAD), and migraine headaches are all found to be secondary to his service-connected PTSD with alcohol abuse. The musculoskeletal disabilities are also found to be related to the service-connected PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current hernia disability and his episodic positional left groin strain is due to aging. The service connection claim for a left shoulder disability remains pending as there are outstanding issues regarding its etiology.

The Board has determined that further development of the Veteran's claims is needed, including obtaining VA and private medical records. The case will be remanded for these actions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including hypertension, a headache disability, lung condition (to include pneumonia), chronic eye pain, and chronic bone and body pain. The reasons were not provided in this decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for additional development of his claims, including obtaining updated treatment records and considering all evidence received since November 25, 2008.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for his left shoulder disability was denied. The initial compensable rating for the surgical scar on the right first metatarsal, and the TDIU claims were also denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral shoulder, knee, hip, ankle, and foot disabilities are related to his active service. The skin disability including skin cancer is not presumed or directly linked to his active duty.

The Board denied service connection for acne vulgaris and residuals of right shoulder surgery, finding no evidence of in-service treatment or continuity of symptoms.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination and updated treatment records. The issues of increased rating for right shoulder disability and TDIU are also being addressed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him totally unemployable, as he is capable of performing sedentary employment.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development and has scheduled a hearing before the Board.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of his claims, including obtaining service personnel records and VA treatment records.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the Veteran's death, and thus no jurisdiction remains to adjudicate the merits of the case.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability with acromioplasty and distal clavicle resection is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition.

The Veteran's low back disability is currently rated at 10 percent, and his left shoulder disability is rated at 20 percent. Both conditions are denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his lumbar spine and cervical spine conditions, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic orthopedic disabilities of the left ankle, knees, hips, hands, elbows, and shoulders have been denied as there is no evidence showing these conditions were incurred during active military service or within one year post-service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for right shoulder impingement syndrome is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and review of outstanding VA medical records.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for cervical spine and left shoulder disabilities were denied. The VA found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for either condition.