Shoulder decisions — 2013

The Board found that the Veteran's current left shoulder disability is not related to his active duty service, including his in-service complaints of left shoulder pain. As a result, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for myofascial pain of the right shoulder girdle muscles is being remanded due to new evidence submitted post-remand, which includes a VA examination revealing nerve impairment. The case will be readjudicated after obtaining updated medical records and scheduling a neurological examination.

The Veteran's initial increased ratings for left shoulder disability and degenerative disc disease with spurring and bulging disc of the cervical and thoraco-lumbar spine were granted, but no higher as of August 11, 2010.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a videoconference hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Board has granted a 20 percent evaluation for the Veteran's right shoulder disorder, effective from September 7, 2007.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, or at the housebound rate was denied as he does not meet the criteria for such benefits.

The Veteran's claim is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder and right knee disorders were not incurred or aggravated by service, and arthritis may not be presumed to have been incurred therein.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is found to be related to his active service, and he is granted service connection. The issue of higher initial ratings for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease remains pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current bilateral shoulder or knee disability that is related to his military service.

The Board found no evidence of a right knee disability during service or within the first post-service year, and concluded that arthritis is not presumed to have developed due to service. The Veteran's current right knee condition was deemed unrelated to his military service.,There is insufficient evidence to establish a nexus between the Veteran's current left knee strain and his active duty service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have not rendered him unable to obtain and retain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for various musculoskeletal conditions have been denied. The VA has determined that the current evaluations do not meet the criteria for higher ratings based on the evidence of record.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder disorder, which involves post-operative changes of the clavicle, is not related to his military service and may not be presumed to have been incurred in service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records, update his vocational rehabilitation folder, and provide him with a new VA examination. The claims will be readjudicated based on the updated evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a new examination to assess the Veteran's right shoulder condition. The appeal is currently in remand status.

The Board denied service connection for the claimed hiatal hernia, low back disorder, arthritis of the bilateral shoulders, arthritis of the bilateral knees, and left shoulder disability. The claims were based on direct evidence rather than a presumption or secondary to another condition.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims of service connection for a right shoulder disability, a cardiac disability (claimed as chest pain), and a right knee disability. The Veteran's left knee disability is found to be incurred in service, while his back disability may not be presumed due to its lack of onset during service or within one year thereafter.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for left shoulder, left knee, and right knee disabilities due to a lack of evidence showing a nexus between these conditions and his military service.