Shoulder decisions — 2012

The Board denied service connection for headaches, cervical spine disorder, right shoulder disorder, and right elbow disorder in April 2006. The Veteran's claim was reopened based on new evidence submitted since the last final denial.

The Board found that the Veteran's reported history regarding his left shoulder disorder is not credible and there was no evidence suggesting a basis for awarding direct service connection. The VA medical opinion did not find evidence of permanent aggravation by service.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was previously rated at 20 percent prior to August 3, 2009. The current rating of 40 percent is maintained as the evidence does not show ankylosis or unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disability and a right shoulder disability, finding that there was no evidence of onset during or related to his period of active service.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is necessary to determine if the Veteran's current back and shoulder disorders are related to his military service. The appeal will be remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, right shoulder strain with degenerative arthritis, and left wrist spur were denied as there is no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes meeting the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's service connection claims for right shoulder arthritis and lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, finding that new and material evidence has been received.,Service connection is granted for right shoulder arthritis and lumbar spine degenerative disc disease as these conditions are found to be related to military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain updated medical records and schedule him for a VA examination. The issues include increased evaluation for left shoulder degenerative joint disease, entitlement to separate rating for muscle atrophy, and temporary total rating following surgery.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to new evidence submitted without a waiver of initial RO consideration.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for lumbar spine, cervical spine, bilateral shoulder, memory loss, headache, and sleep disabilities. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, finding that none of these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for hemorrhoids. The remaining issues are addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision and are being remanded to the RO.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a right shoulder disability, left shoulder disability, dermatitis, erectile dysfunction, an acquired psychiatric disability (adjustment disorder with anxious and depressed mood and posttraumatic stress disorder), achalasia, and TMJ. The initial ratings assigned were also denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical examination and Social Security Administration records.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his cervical spine and right shoulder disabilities were denied. However, he was granted initial ratings of 10% each for the radiculopathy in both upper extremities.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for a right shoulder disability and migraine headaches. The Veteran will be scheduled for VA examinations to address these issues.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for hypertension has been reopened and granted.,Service connection is established for left shoulder impingement, status-post decompression, with mild functional loss. The acquired psychiatric disorder (major depressive disorder and PTSD) is also service connected.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his right shoulder disability was denied, as the evidence did not meet the schedular criteria for a higher rating. The Board also considered whether extra-schedular consideration was warranted for his bilateral pes planus and TDIU claims.

The Veteran's right shoulder arthritis was manifested within one year of his discharge from service, and the Board granted service connection based on this presumption.