Shoulder decisions — 2013

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is rated at the maximum schedular evaluation of 40 percent, and there is no evidence to support a higher rating based on additional limitation of motion or other factors. The claim for TDIU has also been denied as his service-connected disability does not preclude him from engaging in substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected right and left shoulder impingement disabilities have been rated noncompensably disabling since the effective date of service connection. The Board has determined that a compensable rating is warranted for both shoulders based on painful motion.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of cold injuries (frostbite) of the right foot and a left shoulder condition are denied as there is no current diagnosis or evidence linking these conditions to his active military service.,There is no medical evidence showing that the Veteran has any current disability related to frostbite or a left shoulder injury during his period of service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, finding that none were incurred or caused by his active duty service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board also dismissed the appeal as to his claims for increased initial ratings for migraine headaches and degenerative changes to the right shoulder.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his Reserve service records and to obtain any outstanding treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating of bilateral knee degenerative changes, service connection for lung cancer and bilateral shoulder arthritis have been denied. The Veteran failed to appear for VA examinations related to his knee disability and the claims for lung cancer and shoulder arthritis were not substantiated by new and material evidence.

The Veteran's right shoulder disorder is granted service connection as secondary to his service-connected left shoulder disability. However, the claim for a higher rating for his left shoulder disability remains denied.

The Board denied the claims for service connection for various conditions, including anxiety disorder, hemorrhoids, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, sinus disability, back disability with sciatica, numbness of the right lower extremity, ruptured disc, residuals of a neck injury, and left arm and shoulder disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left shoulder and/or clavicle disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions from VA examiners.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left shoulder degenerative arthritis is service-connected, as it was incurred during his military service. However, there is no evidence of a current right hip disability to support service connection.

The Veteran's right shoulder injury, which is secondary to a service-connected condition, does not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and left shoulder disability are found to be service-connected. The Veteran is granted a combined rating of 50 percent for her bilateral foot disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his request for withdrawal prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected left shoulder disability was denied by the RO, and the Board found that the preponderance of the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for his right shoulder disability, which he claims is secondary to his already service-connected left shoulder disability. The Board finds that a remand is necessary to obtain updated treatment records and to provide the Veteran with an adequate examination to determine if his current right shoulder disability was caused or worsened by his service-connected left shoulder disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right shoulder disability is being remanded due to incomplete STRs and the need for further medical examination.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a higher rating of 20 percent for his right shoulder acromioclavicular separation disability.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a comprehensive examination to assess the Veteran's ability to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a nexus between the Veteran's current right knee and left shoulder disabilities and his military service, including any in-service injuries. The VA examiner found insufficient medical evidence to establish a relationship between the claimed conditions and service.