Shoulder decisions — 2013

The Veteran's claims of service connection for various foot, shoulder, and knee disabilities were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not have a current disability related to his in-service injuries or conditions.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability, post-arthroscopy and decompression, has been rated at 10 percent since January 25, 2007. The current rating is for limitation of motion without additional functional loss due to pain or other factors.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder and left knee disabilities, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and active service or any service-connected disability.

The Board found that the Veteran's death was caused by an accidental overdose of painkillers, unrelated to service or a service-connected disability. Therefore, his cause of death is not service-connected.

The Veteran's claims were granted, and he was awarded service connection for various conditions. The initial ratings assigned are generally in line with the severity of his disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for right shoulder impingement syndrome and hypertension, finding that the Veteran did not sustain a disease or injury related to these conditions in service. The Board also found that hypertension was not proximately caused by a service-connected disability.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the etiology and severity of the Veteran's right shoulder and low back disabilities, as well as his cervical spine disability. The issues are being returned for further development.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board issuing a decision.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a higher rate of SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to missing VA treatment records. The Veteran's claim of service connection for a left shoulder disorder, including arthritis, will be reconsidered after these records are obtained.

The Board found no evidence linking the Veteran's bilateral shoulder disorders to service or his service-connected cervical spine disability, and denied the claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records and arranging for an orthopedic examination to determine the current severity of his left shoulder disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for various conditions, including a right middle finger disability, left shoulder disability, low back disability, and right wrist disability. The Board found that there was no objective evidence of current disabilities related to these issues.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder disability is service-connected, as it was incurred during active service and is related to his in-service injury. The left knee disability is also service-connected, with no specific theory provided.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to address the issues of service connection and rating for his claimed cervical spine disorder, shoulder numbness, PTSD, and secondary service connection.

The Veteran was granted compensation under the 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for a cognitive disorder, right upper arm and shoulder disorder, and anemia resulting from VA treatment in February 2009.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical opinions and treatment records, as well as to schedule the Veteran for an orthopedic examination.

The case is being remanded for another VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's left shoulder disability, including whether it is related to service or any other condition. The examiner should consider the Veteran's assertions of in-service injury and post-service pain.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder disorder, left hand disorder, bilateral wrist disorders, bilateral knee disorders, and bilateral hip disorders are not established as service-connected. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is currently rated at 20 percent, which approximates the criteria for a limitation of motion to shoulder level. The Board finds that this rating is appropriate based on the objective medical evidence and the Veteran's symptoms.