Shoulder decisions — 2012

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing and issuance of a Statement of the Case on issues regarding timely substantive appeals filed with regard to January 2008 rating decisions.

The Veteran's claim for increased evaluations for degenerative joint disease, right shoulder was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation prior to December 9, 2011 and from December 9, 2011.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for her right shoulder disability is being remanded due to the need for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed disabilities were not incurred in or aggravated by service, and denied his claims for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for joint pain as due to undiagnosed illness is being remanded for additional development, including an examination and review of his service-connected conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected bilateral ankle disorders, lumbar spine disorder, and shoulder disorders. The disabilities are currently rated as 10 percent disabling.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn regarding the issue of dental disorder. The Board finds that multiple joint and muscle pain, urethritis, prostatitis, chronic sinusitis, conjunctivitis, dry eye syndrome, night sweats (due to Reiter's syndrome or sarcoidosis), respiratory problems (sarcoidosis), blood in stools/hemorrhoids, and short term memory loss are all part of his service-connected Reiter's syndrome. The Veteran's right heel spur residuals do not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation. His sarcoidosis does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Board has determined that service connection is warranted for sinusitis, right shoulder capsulitis, and cervical spine/neck spondylosis.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found that there was no evidence of a current disability, and the claimed conditions are not diseases for which presumptive service connection based on herbicide exposure is recognized.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to assess the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed right shoulder disability, including whether it is proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II, coronary artery disease status post myocardial infarction and coronary artery bypass surgery.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is not due to disease or injury incurred in service, and arthritis cannot be presumed. The Board finds that the current right shoulder degenerative changes and possible rotator cuff tear are not related to his military service.

The Veteran withdrew her appeal regarding the issues of service connection for sinusitis, bilateral ankle sprain and thoracolumbar spine strain.

The Board found that the Veteran's current right and left shoulder disabilities are not related to his military service, as there was no evidence of a chronic disability during or within one year after service. The claims were denied.

The Board has remanded the case for a Travel Board hearing due to the unavailability of the VLJ who conducted the October 2010 hearing.

The Board denied the appellant's requests for increased evaluations for his right knee disability, left shoulder disability, and carpal tunnel syndrome of the left arm. The remaining issues are pending.

The Board has ordered further development due to the loss of the Veteran's file and requests for additional records. The case is now remanded for a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to the need for additional development and examination, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling appropriate examinations.

The Board found that the reduction in disability rating for the service-connected left shoulder disability from 10 percent to 0 percent was not proper, as there is no evidence of material improvement under ordinary conditions of life.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, finding that new and material evidence was not submitted to reopen his claims. The appeals were based on direct service connection.

The Board denied service connection for a back disability, left shoulder disability, and left knee disability as these conditions were not shown to have originated during active service.