Shoulder decisions — 2013

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluation, SMC based on loss of use of the left upper extremity, and SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance are being remanded due to insufficient evidence. Further development is needed to determine if the service-connected conditions result in loss of use of the hand or upper extremity.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to concerns about the severity of his left shoulder disability, and a new VA examination is needed without considering the impact of medications.

The Board has granted initial evaluations of 20 percent for right and left shoulder tendonitis, effective January 11, 2012.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeal as to his claim for service connection for osteoarthrosis of the right knee. The initial rating claim for left shoulder arthroscopy, open Bankart capsulorrhaphy, was denied and an initial 10 percent rating was assigned.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for further examinations. The issues include service connection for various musculoskeletal conditions.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for progressive arthritis of the shoulders, hips, knees, and ankles. The claim is now considered on its merits.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims of service connection for lumbar spine, bilateral knee, right shoulder, and right hip disabilities. The evidence now shows that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for arthritis of the right shoulder was denied by the RO in April 2007, and the Board remanded the case to obtain additional development. The VA examinations conducted after the remand did not result in an increase in the disability rating.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected chronic right shoulder muscle strain with DJD was denied by the Board. The current rating of 10 percent is maintained.

The Veteran's initial rating for a supraspinatus tear of the right shoulder is being remanded due to concerns about worsening symptoms and the need for additional medical records.

The Veteran's service records do not show any hip or shoulder disorders. There is no current evidence of a chronic disability involving the hips or shoulders that can be attributed to her Gulf War service.

The Veteran's combined rating of 70 percent for his service-connected disabilities meets the criteria for a TDIU, as he is unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his right shoulder disability. The issue of entitlement to service connection for a left shoulder disorder will also be addressed in a supplemental statement of the case.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran requires regular aid and attendance or is housebound due to his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD. The claim will be reconsidered after this additional development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of his claims, including a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's left shoulder disability is currently rated at 20 percent, the maximum schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 5201 for limitation of motion. The evidence does not support a higher rating as his range of motion does not more nearly approximate limitation to 25 degrees from the side.

The Veteran's initial right shoulder disability was granted with a noncompensable rating, and the Board later increased it to 10 percent effective January 21, 2003. The case is remanded for further development regarding the evaluation of post-surgical scars.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before the claims on appeal can be decided. Specifically, VA medical examinations are required for tinnitus and right shoulder/bilateral knee disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to need for additional development, including a new examination and clarification of the August 2013 opinion.