Shoulder decisions — 2013

The Board denied the appellant's request to reopen his previously denied claim for service connection for right shoulder tendonitis and impingement syndrome, finding no new and material evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected low back disability is rated at 10 percent, and his right shoulder subluxation is rated at 20 percent. Both conditions are not shown to warrant higher ratings based on the current evidence of record.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left ear hearing loss, tinnitus, hemorrhoids, and a left shoulder disability due to lack of evidence showing these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Board found that the Veteran did not have diabetes mellitus or hypertension to a compensable degree within one year after discharge from service, and thus denied claims for these conditions. The stomach disorder with gastritis, IBS, h.pylori, and GERD was also not shown to be related to service or service-connected disabilities. Service connection for the right shoulder and left shoulder disorders were also denied.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability is currently rated at 30 percent, which reflects limitation of motion to midway between side and shoulder level. The Board finds that the current rating adequately captures his functional impairment.

The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for his service-connected post-operative residuals of dislocations of the left shoulder is being remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding whether he has associated neurological or muscle injuries.

The Board found no evidence of bilateral hearing loss for VA purposes and denied service connection for this condition.,There was also no evidence of a left ear disability, claimed as popping, meeting the criteria for service connection. The Veteran's assertions were not supported by medical evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, as well as arranging for a VA medical examination. The issue of entitlement to a rating in excess of 20 percent for his service-connected left shoulder disability will be reconsidered.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient rationale in a previous VA examination and the need for clarification regarding whether the Veteran's left shoulder disorder is caused or aggravated by his service-connected right shoulder disability.

The Board found that the Veteran's right shoulder disorder, diagnosed as impingement syndrome, was not incurred in or aggravated by service. The preponderance of evidence is against his claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder radiculopathy and peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, as well as his increased rating claims. The Veteran was granted an increased rating of 20% for peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed disabilities, including left shoulder, right shoulder, left knee, right knee, and back disabilities, are not related to service. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service incurrence or aggravation of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the effective dates for the grants of service connection and special monthly compensation are November 13, 2006, based on the date of receipt of the initial claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records, examinations, and development of his case.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability, characterized as DJD following a fracture, does not meet the criteria for a rating higher than 20 percent.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and an increased rating for his left shoulder disability with scar, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between current symptoms and service. The Veteran's hearing loss was normal at separation from service, and he did not report any ear problems until decades after discharge.

The Board has granted service connection for osteoarthritis and superior glenoid lesion of the right shoulder, as well as osteoarthritis and calcific tendonitis of the right elbow. These conditions are considered to be directly related to the Veteran's military service.

The appeals for increased ratings for right and left shoulder disabilities have been withdrawn by the appellant through her authorized representative.

The Board denied service connection for right and left shoulder disabilities, finding that the Veteran's pre-existing shoulder conditions were not aggravated by service.

The Board has granted service connection for a variety of musculoskeletal and respiratory conditions, including shortness of breath, shoulder disorder, elbow pain, knee disorders, ankle disorders, and neck disorder. The Veteran's claims are supported by his reported symptoms in service and subsequent diagnoses.