Shoulder decisions — 2013

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for visual problems, tinnitus, neck disability, left shoulder disability, and right knee disability. The evidence did not establish a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran is seeking compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for a stroke and stroke residuals, as well as a right shoulder disability characterized as a rotator cuff tear, both allegedly resulting from VA treatment in March 2005. The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to properly adjudicate these claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of hepatitis, a lower back disability, and a right shoulder injury. The claim for a right knee injury was remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder disability is service-connected as it is related to an injury sustained during active duty.

The Veteran's service connection claim for migraine headaches was granted, and he is now receiving a 10 percent rating for his residuals of a fracture of the left fifth toe.

The Board has granted service connection for traumatic arthritis of the cervical and thoracic spine, both shoulders, and lumbosacral spine. The appeal seeking a TDIU rating is being remanded due to its interdependence with these grants.

The Board has remanded the cases due to inadequate examination and further review is required.

The Board found that the Veteran's rib and left shoulder disabilities are not related to his service, specifically the May 2004 motor vehicle accident. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated during service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left shoulder disorder was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability and the Board found that his reported symptoms were not supported by medical findings or treatment records.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent prior to March 22, 2010. The appeal for increased ratings for other conditions is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinions in a previous VA examination, and new treatment records are needed. The Veteran's left and right shoulder disabilities will be evaluated for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for postoperative residuals of a right shoulder injury, with traumatic arthritis is being remanded due to the need for additional development. The total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability due to service connected disorders issue remains pending.

The Veteran's initial ratings for his bilateral shoulder degenerative joint disease were denied by the Board, with the issues being related to the periods of time from September 1, 2004 through March 13, 2006 and from March 14, 2006 onwards.

The Board found that the Veteran's preexisting left shoulder disability did not undergo an increase in severity during his active service and thus was not aggravated by service. As a result, the claim for service connection for the left shoulder disability is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's current left shoulder disorder did not manifest in service or for many years thereafter, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

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

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral ankle disability, cervical spine disabilities (both periods), and left shoulder disability. The evidence did not establish a chronic or new condition during active duty.

The Board determined that the Veteran's current right shoulder arthritis and tendonitis, hearing loss disability, and tinnitus are not related to service.,Service connection was denied for all three conditions.

The Veteran's service connection claim for headaches was denied as there is no evidence of a diagnosed condition related to his military service, including as due to an undiagnosed illness.,The Veteran's right shoulder disability was also denied as the schedular criteria for a higher rating were not met.

The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for the Veteran's right shoulder disability, which is more than the current 20 percent rating. The condition most nearly approximates limitation of motion to midway between side and shoulder level.