Shoulder decisions — 2013

The Veteran's right shoulder disability, including history of dislocation and degenerative arthritis, is currently rated at 20 percent. The claim for a higher rating under DCs 5200-5203 was denied as the evidence does not support frequent episodes of dislocation or guarding of all arm movements.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability, including recurrent dislocations, is rated at 20 percent since July 16, 2003. The Veteran's left knee disabilities are not entitled to increased ratings.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of the current disability ratings for his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran does not have any service-connected disabilities for his right foot, left foot, right ankle, left ankle, right shoulder, left shoulder, or low back conditions. The VA examiners found no evidence of chronicity of these disorders prior to their current diagnoses.

The Board has granted a 40% disability rating for the Veteran's right shoulder condition, effective from April 23, 2009. The appeal is denied for service connection of a left shoulder condition and an initial compensable rating for a left elbow epicondylitis.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical records and conducting new examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for posttraumatic arthritis of the left knee, right knee, and left shoulder disability. The Veteran's current conditions are found to be aggravated by his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and a TDIU were denied as he failed to report for scheduled examinations.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability is rated at 30 percent, the maximum rating assignable for limitation of motion.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for another VA examination and supplemental opinion regarding his right shoulder disorder, which may be related to or aggravated by his service-connected left shoulder disorder.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The right shoulder and left ankle disabilities are rated based on their current functional limitations.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions, including traumatic brain injury, cervical spine disorder, thoracolumbar spine disorder, and right shoulder disorder. The claims will be adjudicated again after any necessary development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are reasonably shown to have contributed to his acquired psychiatric disorder, including as secondary to his service-connected disabilities. The Board finds that the criteria for entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, as secondary to service-connected disabilities, are met.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and consideration of the issues listed on the title page.

The Board has determined that additional medical opinions are needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete or inadequate previous opinions.

The Veteran is seeking a VA clothing allowance due to the need to wear knee braces. The issue of service connection for his left and right knee disabilities, as well as other conditions like hearing loss, tinnitus, and prostate cancer, are pending before the Board.

The Veteran's left shoulder tendinitis is rated at 20 percent, but his right knee disability results in a TDIU. The decision on the left shoulder rating remains pending as it was not fully adjudicated.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral shoulder disorder is not related to his active duty service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's initial ratings for her service-connected back, right hip, and left arm disabilities have been denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA regulations.,Specifically, the Veteran's lumbago (back condition) has not demonstrated limitation of motion or neurological impairment that would warrant an increased rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a left shoulder disability in July 2007, and new and material evidence has not been received since that time.