Shoulder decisions — 2014

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of a left shoulder disorder, as well as his claims for increased ratings for various other disabilities. The Veteran was not shown to have any diagnosed conditions related to his claimed disorders and there was no evidence supporting secondary service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right knee, right shoulder, and lumbar spine disabilities are related to service. Service connection is granted for all three conditions.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for a low back disability. The issues of entitlement to service connection for bilateral shoulder disabilities and an increased rating for left knee replacement are addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further examination and development due to the need for a VA examination regarding his claimed conditions, including hepatitis C, bilateral shoulder disorder, upper extremity disorders, lower extremity disorders, restless legs syndrome, and fatigue and sleep apnea. The claims are related to secondary service connection.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for right shoulder tendonitis and bursitis prior to March 9, 2009 was granted. The Veteran's subsequent claims for increased ratings were denied as his symptoms did not warrant a higher rating based on the current evidence of record.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability resulted in limited motion, but not to the level that would warrant a higher rating. The Board has assigned a 10% rating for this condition prior to August 20, 2005.

The Board found that the Veteran's left shoulder motion was not limited to 25 degrees from his side, which is required for a higher rating. Therefore, a rating in excess of 20 percent is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for a right shoulder disability, status post dislocation. The claims of service connection for left and right knee disabilities are denied.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection of cervical spine, lumbar spine, left hip, and both knees. The Veteran's current disabilities are found to be related to his active duty as a Navy Seal.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for examinations to determine the nature and severity of his service-connected conditions.

The Board found no credible evidence linking the Veteran's current cervical spine and left shoulder disorders to his service, including a jeep accident in 1962. The VA examiners concluded that any current conditions are less likely than not related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of a right shoulder or left knee disability, and therefore service connection cannot be granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is rated at 10 percent, and he is granted TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss, left ear hearing loss, tinnitus, and residuals of a right shoulder injury due to lack of evidence of current disabilities or etiological links.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to issues related to service connection and rating of the Veteran's cervical spine, left shoulder, and thoracolumbar spine disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left shoulder strain is not related to his active duty service and thus denied his claim for service connection. The Veteran's sleep apnea was sustained during active duty service, but the Board found no direct link between this condition and service.

The Board has determined that a compensable rating for residuals of the right shoulder injury is warranted since June 20, 2011. For left wrist fracture residuals, a compensatory disability rating of 20 percent is granted effective from June 20, 2011.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for higher disability ratings under the applicable rating schedule.

The Veteran is eligible for the full (100%) educational assistance rate under the Post-9/11 GI Bill due to his service-connected disabilities.

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