Shoulder decisions — 2012

The Veteran's claim is being reopened due to new evidence, but the Board will need to review all available records from his treatment at VA facilities and any private physician for a full determination of service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for a left shoulder disability, including a left shoulder sprain and tendonitis. The Veteran's chest muscle tear is also found to be related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for bilateral shoulder conditions due to inadequate examination and need for additional development.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various left-sided musculoskeletal disorders were denied as the medical evidence did not establish a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and x-rays of his right shoulder and clavicle. The case will be readjudicated after these are obtained.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD and residuals of fractures of the right tibia and fibula, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C, finding that no new and material evidence had been received. The issue of special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance was also addressed but the Veteran did not meet the criteria as he required assistance with daily activities due to his physical conditions but was not bedridden or hospitalized.

The Board found that the Veteran's current left shoulder disability did not manifest during service and is not otherwise related to an event or injury in service. The Board concluded that the Veteran's current condition was not caused by his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient efforts made to obtain service treatment records and a need for a VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for a TBI, finding that the Veteran's self-reported motor vehicle accident during active duty is credible and linked to his current symptoms. The remaining claims are remanded for additional development.

The Board finds that the Veteran's right shoulder disorder, including a history of dislocation and contusion with chronic sprain, was incurred during active service. The disability is currently manifested by pain and limited range of motion.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for cataracts, finding no competent evidence to show that his post-service cataracts began during active service or were related to any incident of service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's COPD and any current residuals of burns on his neck and shoulders, as well as whether these conditions are related to service. The case will be remanded for further action.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and bilateral shoulder wounds, finding that there was no evidence of in-service stressors or a nexus to service.

The Board denied both issues: The debt resulting from the overpayment of benefits during the Veteran's incarceration was validly created, and the claim for an earlier effective date for election of military retirement pay in lieu of VA disability compensation benefits is denied.

The Veteran's right shoulder bicipital tendonitis is rated at 10 percent, effective May 27, 2008. The claims for restless leg syndrome, sleep apnea (secondary to a service-connected disability), left ear hearing loss, and low back disorder were not granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected disabilities are being remanded to the RO for additional development.

The Board found that the Veteran's current right shoulder disability is not related to his service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board finds that the Veteran's right shoulder, left elbow, and bilateral wrist disabilities are likely related to service. The Veteran reported symptoms during service and has continued treatment for these conditions.,Service connection is granted for a right shoulder disability, right elbow disability, and bilateral wrist disability.

The Board granted initial noncompensable ratings for the service-connected gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), right shoulder disability, and left shoulder disability effective from September 21, 2005.