Shoulder decisions — 2013

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of any lumbar spine, thoracic spine, cervical spine or shoulder disability that may be present.

The Veteran's service-connected recurrent dislocation of the right shoulder is currently rated at 20 percent, effective November 10, 2008. The examiner noted that the Veteran has symptoms such as pain, stiffness, weakness, decreased speed of joint motion, daily or more often locking episodes, and tenderness.

The Veteran's appeal for higher initial ratings for migraine headaches, chest scars, and shoulder/tendon/knee conditions has been dismissed due to the withdrawal of the appeal by the Veteran.

The Veteran's increased rating claim for his left shoulder disability is denied as the evidence does not support a higher evaluation based on current functional impairment.

The Veteran's service connection claims for a left shoulder disability and bilateral lower extremity disorder (excluding radiculopathy and peripheral neuropathy) were granted. The initial evaluations for the disabilities are 10 percent each.,Effective February 24, 2011, the Veteran was assigned increased ratings of 20 percent for his right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, left upper extremity radiculopathy, and right upper extremity radiculopathy. The initial evaluations were 10 percent each prior to this date.,The Veteran's service connection claims for a left shoulder disability and bilateral lower extremity disorder (excluding radiculopathy and peripheral neuropathy) were granted. The initial evaluations for the disabilities are 10 percent each.,Effective February 24, 2011, the Veteran was assigned increased ratings of 20 percent for his right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, left upper extremity radiculopathy, and right upper extremity radiculopathy. The initial evaluations were 10 percent each prior to this date.

The Veteran's claim for SMC at the housebound rate is denied because he does not have a single service-connected disability rated as 100 percent disabling, and his TDIU rating based on one service-connected disability qualifies him for a total rating without requiring additional service-connected disabilities to meet the criteria.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety disorder, and depressive disorder was granted. However, his claim for service connection for metastatic squamous cell cancer of the neck, throat, tongue, and shoulder muscles remains denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as his right shoulder disability, right rotator cuff tear, and right bicep tendon tear did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable VA rating criteria.

The Board denied service connection for a left shoulder disability, finding that the current condition is not related to an injury in active service and arthritis of the left shoulder cannot be presumed to have been caused by active service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable as of July 14, 2009. His combined disability rating is 80 percent with consideration of the bilateral factor.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including the provision of a new VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected back and left shoulder disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's current right shoulder disability, including a tumor of the humerus and osteoarthritis, did not have its onset during service or within one year after separation. The disability is also unrelated to any in-service injury or event.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal of the claim for service connection for a left arm/shoulder disorder before the Board could make a decision.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability, characterized by impingement syndrome and arthritis, has been rated at 30 percent since the initial grant of service connection. The rating is based on limitation of motion to 25 degrees from the side.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals on the issues of entitlement to service connection for left shoulder injury, left knee injury, and residuals of fractured right thumb.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, left wrist burn scar, digestive disorder, sleep disorder, and ED as secondary to hypertension. The remaining issues of service connection have been withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and arranging for an orthopedic examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected right shoulder and left ankle disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found no evidence of a heart disorder, hypertension, or other claimed conditions during service or within one year post-service. Service connection was not granted for any condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance of another person.

The Board has granted a 30 percent evaluation for the service-connected left shoulder disability beginning on July 6, 2010. The Veteran's symptoms include pain and limited range of motion.