Shoulder decisions — 2014

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for service connection for various conditions, including respiratory issues and gastrointestinal problems. The Board has remanded the case to allow the Veteran to appear at a videoconference hearing.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee, lumbar spine, cervical spine and bilateral shoulder conditions are not service connected. However, it is as likely as not that her nasal disorder was incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, thus granting his claim for a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions were denied as there was no evidence of a link between his current disabilities and his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee disability, right knee disability (status post arthroscopic surgery), and left shoulder disability based on in-service injury and continuity of symptomatology.

The Board finds that the Veteran's bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities is a complication of his service-connected diabetes mellitus.,The Board also finds that the Veteran's nerve disorder of the right shoulder, claimed as peripheral neuropathy of the right shoulder, is related to his shingles.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation since July 14, 2009.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he has withdrawn his appeal regarding the increased disability evaluation for his service-connected left shoulder condition.

The Board denied service connection for sinusitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and multiple joint pain. The Veteran's current sinus disorder was not found to be related to his active service or due to exposure to toxins including CARC paint.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right shoulder disability, to include rotator cuff tear and degenerative joint disease. The evidence received since the last denial raises a reasonable possibility of substantiating her claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for CFS, right shoulder disability, residuals of mouth and throat cancer, or bilateral hip disabilities. The fatigue symptoms are attributed to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board finds that the Veteran's claimed disabilities are not related to service, and thus denied his claims for service connection.

The Veteran's service connection claim for obstructive sleep apnea is granted. The Board finds that the evidence supports a finding of in-service onset and nexus to service.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining missing service treatment records and medical records from private providers. The Veteran is asked to provide detailed information about his injuries and treatments.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left shoulder disability warrants a 20 percent evaluation, effective from July 2010.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's claimed disabilities, including back disability, left foot disability, right foot disability, right knee disability, bilateral shoulder disability, and joint disability. The appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability is rated at 20 percent, effective June 28, 2012. His left foot condition remains at a noncompensable rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right hand and left shoulder disabilities, finding that there was no evidence of in-service injury or disease, and that any current symptoms are not related to active duty.

The Board found that the Veteran's left shoulder disorder was not incurred or aggravated by his service, and therefore denied his claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder disability is not attributable to service and arthritis was not shown within the presumptive period. The VA examiner opined that the current diagnoses are more likely post-service.