Shoulder decisions — 2014

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from a VA examiner to address the nature and likely etiology of the Veteran's left shoulder disorder. The claim remains pending.

The Veteran's left shoulder bursitis is currently rated at 30 percent, effective October 19, 2011. The right shoulder bursitis has been rated at 40 percent since July 31, 2014.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions, including back disability, cervical spine disability, and right shoulder disability, are not related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the AOJ for further development and consideration of his claim for an increased evaluation for post-operative residuals of dislocations of the left shoulder. The AOJ will consider whether separate ratings are warranted based on muscle or neurological conditions associated with his service-connected condition.

The Board finds that the Veteran's claimed back and right shoulder disorders did not manifest during service or within one year of separation, and there is no credible evidence to support a finding of in-service injury. The claim for a right thumb and little finger disorder cannot be substantiated as there is no current diagnosis.

The Veteran seeks service connection for injuries to his shoulders and knees sustained in a motor vehicle accident during basic training. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records, including STRs from the period of active duty, and to schedule the Veteran for an examination to determine the likely etiology of his current shoulder and knee disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a right shoulder examination.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal regarding both left hip disorder and left shoulder disorder, including the scapula. The Board therefore dismisses the appeals.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and ensuring that all requested development has been completed. The Veteran's claims of service connection for right shoulder disability, genitourinary disability, and right hip disability are pending.

The Veteran's service-connected right shoulder shrapnel wound residuals with retained foreign body and non-tender scar were granted a rating of 10 percent, effective from May 23, 2008 through September 12, 2011. For the period beginning September 13, 2011, he was granted a 20 percent evaluation for right shoulder shrapnel wound residuals with retained foreign body and non-tender scar.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral shoulder disability, including AC joint arthrosis and DJD, as well as a right biceps tendon tear, did not have its onset in service or was caused by service. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left shoulder disorder and arthritis are not related to his service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has found that new and material evidence had been received to reopen the previously denied claims for service connection for residuals of a right shoulder injury, claimed as a fractured right collarbone, and residuals of a back injury, status post right-sided hemilaminectomy and discectomy, L4-5. The Veteran's claims are now remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected left shoulder disability is rated at 20 percent, and the Board has granted a TDIU based on this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have vasculitis or a left shoulder disability related to his service, and therefore denied both claims.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims of service connection for right shoulder and left knee disabilities, finding new and material evidence. The claims are granted.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary for the Veteran's claims of service connection for left shoulder and right knee disabilities, including obtaining medical opinions on their etiology.

The Board found that the Veteran's current left shoulder disorder is not causally or etiologically related to his military service and arthritis did not manifest within one year of his discharge from service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination and review of service treatment records.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for dysrhythmia, emphysema, foot disability (athlete's foot and fungal infections), left shoulder disability, and psychiatric disability (PTSD).