Shoulder decisions — 2013

The Board granted service connection for a cervical spine disability and assigned a 20% evaluation effective May 29, 2009. The Veteran requested an earlier effective date but was denied.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to November 8, 2007 for the grant of service connection for a right shoulder dislocation is being remanded due to inextricability with another claim involving CUE.

The Veteran's hypertension, residuals of a left shoulder injury, and chronic lung condition (claimed as bronchitis) are all granted. Service connection for DJD and DDD of the lumbar spine is also granted with an initial rating of 10%. The Veteran's arthritis of the right great toe and arthritis of the left great toe each receive an initial compensable rating.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability, finding that the Veteran's continuous symptomatology since active service supports this claim. For his left shoulder disability, the evidence does not establish service connection as it is unclear whether the condition was present during service or if it is related to sarcoidosis.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a left shoulder disorder characterized as left shoulder strain with rotator cuff insufficiency, finding that the Veteran's condition was not incurred or aggravated in active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left shoulder disorder is related to his active service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hand and shoulder arthritis, a bilateral elbow disorder, and a lumbar spine disorder are related to service.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings were denied, but the Board acknowledged that he had raised an informal claim for a Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) and remanded the case to consider this issue.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing an addendum opinion regarding the relationship between his service-connected cervical spine disability and any diagnosed bilateral shoulder disorder.

The Board finds that the Veteran's left shoulder disability is related to his active service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities result in the need for aid and attendance, which is sufficient to meet the criteria for SMC at the O rate.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for the issues of entitlement to an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for right ulnar neuropathy, left knee lateral release with osteoarthritis, and right shoulder status post labral tear repair on or after December 9, 2010.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for right shoulder acromioclavicular osteoarthrosis, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus before the Board could make a decision.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support the Veteran's claims for arthritis of the shoulders, wrists, and cervical spine. The conditions are not related to her military service.

The Veteran's appeals for initial disability ratings and earlier effective dates have been withdrawn. The remaining claims of service connection are being remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that additional development is required before the claims can be adjudicated, including obtaining VA and SSA records, as well as a VA examination to determine the nature, extent, onset and etiology of any chronic headaches, kidney disorder, blood disorder (anemia and hyperkalemia), and right shoulder disorder.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting examinations to determine the etiology of her claimed conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for depression, PTSD, a right shoulder disability, residuals of hernia, bilateral eye disability (myopia or loss of vision), arthritis of the hands, and bilateral hearing loss. The evidence submitted was found to be duplicative or cumulative.

The Veteran withdrew her appeal on all issues related to service connection and rating for various conditions, including hearing loss with ear infections, tinnitus, onychomycosis of the toes and fingers, left shoulder disability, right hip bursitis, osteopenia, and chronic rhinitis and sinus infections.