Shoulder decisions — 2014

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for psychiatric disability, including PTSD; left shoulder disability; hepatitis C; and diabetes mellitus. The Board found no probative value in the Veteran's allegations of an in-service injury that resulted in chronic disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have effectively resulted in the loss of use of his feet, and he is granted special monthly compensation based on this. He is also granted assistance for an automobile and adaptive equipment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right shoulder disorder, finding that there was no evidence of such disability during or within one year after his separation from active duty. The Board also found insufficient medical evidence to support a secondary service connection claim based on his left shoulder disability.

The Board found that the Veteran's cervical spine and right shoulder conditions were not caused by or aggravated by his July 4, 1996 fall at the VA facility.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating for PTSD, right knee disability, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and left shoulder disability are denied. The effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD remains April 8, 2008.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as the evidence did not show that his conditions warranted a rating in excess of the currently assigned noncompensable or 10 percent disability ratings.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder disability, which is rated at 20 percent under Diagnostic Code 5201 (limitation of motion to shoulder level), does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating. The claim for increase for the right shoulder on the basis of neurological impairment and the TDIU claim are REMANDED.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining STRs and seeking VA medical opinions to address the etiology of various conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for left ankle, low back, right knee, and right shoulder disorders. The diagnoses were not supported by evidence showing a current disability or a link to service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to issues regarding crepitus in the Veteran's shoulders and knees, which were not adequately addressed in the previous decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a chronic bilateral shoulder disability or low back disability that is related to service, and therefore denied both claims for service connection.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to inadequate medical opinion on service connection and a total disability rating claim is deferred until the right shoulder disability claim is finally adjudicated.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder and neck disabilities are related to his active service, granting service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing at the RO. The service connection issues remain pending.

The Board found no evidence linking the Veteran's current upper body condition, including shoulder and chest/back symptoms, to his military service. The claim was denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for neck, right elbow, right wrist, and right shoulder disabilities. The examiner concluded that these conditions are less likely than not related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of the claims, including obtaining relevant medical records and ensuring that all pertinent evidence has been considered.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and hypertension are service-connected, but his left shoulder disability and back disability cannot be linked to service or service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, but the evidence does not support a grant of service connection for COPD, right shoulder disorder, left shoulder disorder, diabetes mellitus, or head injury. The Veteran is entitled to increased evaluations for focal pain syndrome with severe migraine headaches and post-traumatic scar of the left forehead.