Shoulder decisions — 2012

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 30 percent for his service-connected left shoulder disability was dismissed as the appellant indicated satisfaction with the current rating.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain is currently rated at 10 percent, and service connection for non-cardiac chest pain and left shoulder spasm has been granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back, cervical spine, and left shoulder disorders are related to his military service injury in April 1999. The claims for these conditions have been granted.

The Veteran's left and right shoulder disabilities are found to be related to his active service, with the neck disability also being connected to service. The claims for these conditions have been granted.,A rating in excess of 10 percent is denied for GERD prior to May 5, 2010, and a rating in excess of 10 percent is granted from that date.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral knee and shoulder disorders were not incurred in service, as there is no evidence of such during his military service or at his separation examination. The Board finds that the preponderance of the evidence is against the Veteran's claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current right shoulder or low back disability that is related to his military service. The evidence shows no in-service injury, and there is insufficient competent medical evidence to establish a nexus between any current disabilities and service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back condition and left shoulder condition are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of a separate upper extremity disorder other than an undiagnosed cervical spine disorder manifested by pain and numbness of the arms and shoulders was denied. His claims for higher initial ratings for lumbosacral strain, bilateral pes planus, and acne were also denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling the Veteran for VA examinations to assess his current disability levels and determine if service connection can be established for a right knee disability.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as she withdrew her appeal prior to the Board issuing a decision.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the claims can be considered on their merits.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for depression and an increased evaluation for his left shoulder disorder, finding insufficient evidence to establish a causal link between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability was not service-connected, and his benign prostatic hypertrophy/voiding dysfunction was also denied. The left shoulder disability received a higher rating.

The Veteran's right knee disorder is now service-connected. Service connection for low back, right shoulder, and left shoulder disorders remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a medical examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to unclear medical opinions and need for additional evidence.

The Board has determined that additional evidentiary development is necessary prior to the adjudication of the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and bilateral shoulder disability.

The Board found that the Veteran's current left shoulder disability is at least as likely as not related to his military service, specifically an injury he sustained during active duty. The evidence supports this finding and resolves any doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has accepted the Veteran's October 2007 substantive appeal as timely filed, allowing her to proceed with her claims for higher initial ratings for various service-connected disabilities. The effective date of these awards is set at November 1, 2005.

The Board has remanded the claims for edema of the hips and hands, bilateral shoulder disorder, and thoracic spine disorder due to incomplete development. The Veteran's service connection claims are being remanded for further examination and opinion.