Shoulder decisions — 2014

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA examination and further development of his claim for an increased disability evaluation for his left shoulder disorder.

The Veteran's right shoulder condition and sleep apnea were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Board finds that the Veteran's income exceeded the maximum non-service-connected pension rate, thus denying his claim for non-service-connected pension benefits.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation since May 1, 2009.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a kidney disability, but denied his increased rating claim for gunshot wound residuals. The Veteran's kidney condition is not shown to be related to his military service and there is no evidence of new or material evidence presented since the last final denial.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left shoulder and low back disorders did not have onset during active service, were not caused by exposure to herbicides in service, and were not caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability. As such, direct service connection cannot be established.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a VA Aid and Attendance examination to determine if he requires the regular aid and attendance of another person due to service-connected disabilities, or is housebound due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for tinnitus, right shoulder disability, and bilateral knee disability are being remanded due to the Veteran not appearing for scheduled VA examinations. The AOJ must verify that notice was sent to the correct address and reschedule the appellant for new VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for current VA examinations to determine the current severity of her service-connected disabilities, and for obtaining all outstanding medical records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension was denied as the evidence did not show that he had hypertension in service or within one year after his discharge from service. The Board found that the Veteran's current hypertension was less likely than not caused by his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of her service-connected right shoulder disability and for proper notification regarding TDIU.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current disability for most of the conditions he is seeking service connection for, and there is no evidence linking these disabilities to his active duty service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining updated treatment records. The Veteran's right shoulder disability is still under consideration, as well as his claim for TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found that the claimed conditions did not have a direct link to his military service and no presumption of service connection was established.

The Veteran's discharge was due to unsatisfactory performance, not a service-connected condition. As such, he does not meet the basic eligibility criteria for Chapter 30 educational benefits.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including migraine headaches, hypertension, a left ankle disorder, restless leg syndrome, a left shoulder disorder, a cervical spine disorder, a right knee disorder, hearing loss, and prostate disorder are denied as there is no evidence of current diagnoses or a link to service.

The Veteran's left shoulder, sinus, vasectomy residuals, and left ankle disabilities are all found to be service-connected.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and scheduling of a videoconference hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the St. Petersburg, Florida RO.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a collarbone disorder, right shoulder disorder, right elbow disorder, right wrist disorder, or right hand disorder due to an in-service injury or illness. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current cervical spine and left shoulder disabilities are not etiologically related to his service, including a motor vehicle accident during service. The claim for service connection is denied.