Shoulder decisions — 2012

The Board found that the Veteran's residuals of a right hand injury did not warrant a compensable rating, and his left shoulder disability was not service-connected.

The Veteran's initial compensable evaluation for right shoulder rotator cuff impingement syndrome prior to August 21, 2008 was denied. For the period beginning on August 21, 2008, his claim for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent was also denied.

The Veteran's left shoulder separation and seizure disorder are currently rated at 10 percent each, with no changes in rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a colon and digestive disorder, recurrent tinnitus, lumbar spine disorder, bilateral knee disorder, and bilateral shoulder disorder have been denied as there is no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his active military service.

The Board has determined that a new examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's current left shoulder disability is secondary to his service-connected right shoulder disability. The case will be returned for further action.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his request for withdrawal.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine, right shoulder, and right hip disorders as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right ankle disability. The adjustment disorder with depressed mood and idiopathic polyneuropathy of the right leg and right hip are not addressed in this decision.

The Veteran's right arm disorder is not found to be proximately due to or the result of a service-connected disability, and thus his claims for increased rating and secondary service connection are denied.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability was rated as 10 percent prior to February 9, 2011 and as 20 percent as of May 1, 2011. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for any period.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for PTSD, gunshot wound residuals, and eczematoid dermatitis are being remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records.

The Board is remanding the claim to determine if the Veteran's left shoulder disorder is related to his service-connected right shoulder disability and whether he had a pre-existing condition prior to his active duty.

The Veteran's headaches have been found to be related to his active service, and he is granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to incomplete records and need for additional medical examinations.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed bilateral shoulder bursitis and bilateral knee arthritis, as the previous VA examination did not provide sufficient etiological opinions.

The Board has found that VA has not completed its duty to assist and is remanding the case for further development, including obtaining command history for USS Dyess and deck logs for Jacksonville, Florida.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral shoulder disabilities are not service-connected as they are not causally or etiologically related to his active military service. The VA examiner opined that the current degenerative joint disease of both shoulders is more likely due to the Veteran's job and a previous injury, rather than any connection with his service-connected conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current back disability and right shoulder disability are not related to his military service, and therefore denied both claims.

The Board found that the Veteran's current right shoulder disorder is not related to his military service or any incident therein, and therefore denied the claim for service connection.

The appeal for service connection of a bilateral knee disability, left shoulder disability, and an initial evaluation in excess of 70 percent for PTSD prior to January 25, 2010, has been dismissed as the appellant withdrew their appeal.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his right shoulder DJD is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examination and treatment records.