Shoulder decisions — 2013

The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for the Veteran's left shoulder posterior labral tear, finding that his symptoms did not warrant such an increase.

The Veteran's initial rating for residuals of a left shoulder injury has been increased to 20 percent, effective April 17, 2012. The right knee disability continues to warrant a noncompensable rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and a new VA examination.

The Veteran's shell fragment wound of the right shoulder is rated at 30 percent, and he was granted an initial compensable rating for pseudoaneurysm and arteriovenous fistula of the right iliac artery. The service connection is determined to be direct.

The Board found that the current multiple joint pain, including bilateral shoulder tendonitis and impingement syndrome, bilateral elbow tendonitis, bilateral wrist tendonitis, and bilateral hand tendonitis, did not have onset in service or be otherwise related to an injury or event during service. Therefore, service connection was denied.

The Veteran has been granted service connection for bilateral shoulder pain and a heart disorder, both considered due to an undiagnosed illness.,Further development is needed for the remaining claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral shoulder tendonitis is being remanded due to the need for further development of his service records and medical history.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for recurrent dislocation of the left shoulder and residuals of back injury to allow for further development. The claim of service connection for tinnitus is also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete medical records and need for clarification of certain opinions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including residuals of colon cancer, right shoulder disability, left testicle disability, bronchitis/asthma, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, and heart disability. The appeals were based on new and material evidence for residuals of colon cancer.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left shoulder degenerative joint disease is not related to his military service and has denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's left shoulder, which had undergone arthroplasty, was not characterized by nonunion of the clavicle or scapula with loose movement. Therefore, he does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under Diagnostic Code 5203.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed bilateral shoulder and cervical spine disabilities were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The evidence does not support a finding of an injury or disease during service, nor is there credible evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral foot disorders, left shoulder disorder, and neck disorder. The hiatal hernia was not addressed as it is a separate issue.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for left shoulder disability from September 1, 2012.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete records and potential exposure during service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection of a right shoulder disability before the Board could make a decision.

The Board denied service connection for a left arm disability, bilateral shoulder disability with impairment of arm function, and did not reopen the claim for right arm disability.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected left shoulder disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and arranging for an orthopedic examination.

The Board has found that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is not related to or aggravated by his service-connected deviated nasal septum. The claim for arthritis of multiple joints was remanded and will be addressed in a separate decision.