Shoulder decisions — 2012

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability is being remanded due to the need for another VA examination to assess his employability given his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied, and the reduction of his left knee disability rating was found to be improper. The Veteran did not have new and material evidence submitted to reopen several of his claims.

The Veteran was granted a total rating for compensation purposes based on individual unemployability (TDIU) effective from October 30, 2008. The Board found that the earlier effective date of September 25, 2007 is warranted as it is factually ascertainable that the Veteran met the criteria for TDIU at that time.

The Board found that the Veteran's tinnitus and right shoulder disorder were not incurred in service, as there was no chronicity of symptoms during or after service. The current disabilities are not related to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for chronic headaches, a seizure disorder, and a bilateral shoulder disorder due to insufficient evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including right elbow injury and shoulder conditions, prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has determined that he is entitled to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral shoulder disability is related to his in-service injury, and service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right shoulder disability is related to his service-connected left shoulder disability and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran has been granted service connection for a left shoulder disorder and it is determined that the skin disorder (other than skin cancer) is not due to in-service exposure to ionizing radiation.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his left shoulder disability was denied due to his failure without good cause to report for necessary VA examinations.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims of service connection for a chronic thoracolumbar disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder, but dismissed his appeal regarding the left shoulder issue.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to insufficient evidence of a diagnosed left shoulder disability. The Veteran's attorney requested additional VA treatment records from the Atlanta VAMC, which must be obtained before readjudicating this claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left shoulder disability and left-sided numbness, finding that there was no evidence of in-service injury or disease related to these conditions.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain VA treatment records, arrange for a new VA examination regarding the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, and provide an appropriate VA examination regarding his claimed left hand injury and shoulder disorders. The case will be returned to the Board after these actions are completed.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claim of service connection for a bilateral knee disability, but finds that there is no evidence to support her contention that she incurred this condition during active service.,The Veteran's claims for right ankle and bilateral shoulder disabilities are also denied as there is insufficient evidence linking these conditions to active service.

The Veteran's claim is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of her left shoulder disability, including any functional impairment caused by pain.

The Board has granted service connection for right shoulder strain and headaches, finding that the Veteran's reported symptoms since service are consistent with his in-service injuries.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render her unable to obtain and retain substantially gainful employment, meeting the criteria for a TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left shoulder disorder was incurred during his active duty service, and thus grants the claim for service connection.