Shoulder decisions — 2014

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further action, including scheduling a hearing before the Board at the RO in Muskogee, Oklahoma.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining relevant medical records and arranging for a VA examination to determine if any diagnosed disabilities are related to service.

The Board found that the Veteran's osteoarthritis of the hips, shoulders, and knees did not have a nexus to his active service. The evidence does not establish a relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations were denied. The Board found no evidence of a superimposed disease or injury resulting in decreased visual acuity, and the criteria for a compensable evaluation for chronic allergies were not met.

The Veteran's hypertension is reopened and granted as secondary to his service-connected respiratory disability.,Service connection for asbestosis is granted based on exposure during active duty at Fort Sill.,The claim for increased rating of reactive airway disease remains denied.,Compensation payments for the service-connected left shoulder and low back disabilities are restored.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as his conditions were found to be service-connected and not warranting an increased rating.

The Veteran's left shoulder strain is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that this rating adequately reflects his disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed left shoulder degenerative joint disease is related to his service, and thus grants service connection for this disability.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral TKA with history of chondromatosis is found to have caused secondary disabilities in his left leg, shoulders, and cervical spine. The left knee has been rated at 30 percent since June 2003.

The Veteran's right shoulder and low back disabilities have been rated based on their current functional limitations, with no higher ratings warranted due to the lack of ankylosis or incapacitating episodes. The claims are denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone do not meet the criteria for financial assistance to purchase an automobile and adaptive equipment or adaptive equipment only.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right shoulder injury and stomach injuries. The preponderance of the evidence does not show these conditions are related to his military service.,Based on the medical opinions provided, the Board finds that the Veteran's current right shoulder injury and stomach injuries do not have their onset in or are otherwise linked to his active duty.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a bilateral eye disorder manifested by dry eyes and blepharitis, finding that her current disability picture includes multiple bilateral eye conditions. The remaining claims of entitlement to service connection for disorders of the right shoulder, arm, and hand are remanded due to failure to appear for a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to issues related to service connection and temporary total rating.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate previous VA examinations. The Veteran's cervical spine, right knee, left knee, and right shoulder disabilities will be evaluated again.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability was granted an increased rating to 20 percent, effective February 4, 2009. His left shoulder disorder is no longer before the Board as it has been fully granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder disability is not related to service or a service-connected condition, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and seeking clarification on a VA medical examiner's opinion.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have current right shoulder or cervical spine disorders that were incurred in service. The evidence does not show continuity of symptomatology since service, and there is no medical opinion linking his current conditions to military service.

The Board is reopening the claim of entitlement to service connection for a low back disorder and remanding it along with other claims due to additional development needed. The Veteran's right shoulder, left shoulder, right knee, left knee, and prostatitis claims are also being considered.