Shoulder decisions — 2013

The Veteran's appeals for hepatitis A, tinea versicolor, right foot arthritis, left ankle injury residuals, and PTSD were withdrawn. The Veteran was granted service connection for hypertension and paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia and atrial fibrillation. His initial ratings for PTSD and right shoulder dislocation residuals with degenerative changes have been increased to 70% and 30%, respectively.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right and left shoulder disabilities are at least as likely as not related to his active service, granting service connection for both conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss, right shoulder disability, right knee disability, and Achilles tendonitis/plantar fasciitis are related to his active service. The claims for these conditions have been granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's cardiovascular disorder, including hypertension, and left shoulder disorder did not have onset during active service or within one year following service. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a videoconference hearing in San Antonio, Texas.

The Board found that the Veteran's cardiovascular disease, hypertension, right shoulder arthritis and back disorder are not related to his military service. The heart murmur in 1942 was considered a benign finding without evidence of subsequent treatment or diagnosis.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are productive of symptoms that more nearly resemble very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks, resulting in severe economic inadaptability.

The Veteran's claims for arthritis of the neck, right shoulder and arm, as well as increased ratings for her service-connected gout in both feet, were denied by the Board. The appeals are not granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left shoulder disorder is being remanded due to deficiencies in the VA examiner's opinion regarding the onset and etiology of his diagnosed chronic left shoulder disability.

The Board found that the Veteran's right ankle and left knee disabilities were not incurred or aggravated by service, as there was no clear and unmistakable evidence of pre-existing conditions. The right shoulder disability was also denied due to lack of in-service documentation.

The Veteran's appeal is REMANDED to the RO for further development, including VA examinations and readjudication of his claims.

The Board found no evidence linking the Veteran's current right shoulder, back, prostate, or head trauma disabilities to his military service. The preponderance of the evidence is against these claims.

The Board found no evidence of a service connection for the Veteran's bilateral shoulder disability and cervical spine disability, as there was no in-service injury or disease that led to these conditions. The VA examiner opined that it was less likely than not that the current disabilities were caused by or related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hearing loss and right shoulder scars are related to his military service, warranting service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations to assess the current severity of his service-connected migraine headaches and left shoulder impingement.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining information about the Veteran's employment and a VA examination to assess his ability to work with his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for neck pain, thoracic and lumbar spine disability, bilateral shoulder disability, and bilateral leg pain as these conditions are not separate from her service-connected fibromyalgia.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support granting any of the requested increases in disability ratings.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have caused him to be in need of regular aid and attendance, as he is unable to bathe himself or protect himself from daily hazards without assistance.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and development.