Shoulder decisions — 2014

The Veteran's bladder hyperactivity is rated at 40 percent, and she meets the criteria for a TDIU based on her service-connected disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's right shoulder tendinopathy did not result in limitation of motion at or below shoulder level, which is required for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 5201. Therefore, his claim for an initial compensable disability rating was denied.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's herniated nucleus pulposus of the thoracolumbar spine as secondary to his service-connected post-operative right total knee arthroplasty with leg shortening. The left shoulder rotator cuff tear is rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 5201.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be related to his combat service, and he is granted service connection for this condition. The Board finds additional development necessary for the remaining issues as the Veteran reported worsening of these conditions since the last VA compensation examinations.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a left shoulder disorder is being remanded. The initial disability rating for painful scars and the higher rating for scars are both denied.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a bilateral shoulder disability, which he claims is related to injuries sustained during active duty. He also asserts that his current shoulder disabilities are secondary to his service-connected cervical disc disease. The case is being remanded to obtain additional records and seek an opinion on the direct service connection theory of entitlement.

The Veteran's osteoarthritis and recurrent dislocations of the left shoulder are related to service, as they likely stem from a shoulder injury sustained during active duty. The Board has granted service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left shoulder disability is related to his service-connected right shoulder disabilities and has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for appropriate examinations to determine the nature and likely etiology of his claimed bilateral foot, ankle, hip, hand, and shoulder disorders.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including the provision of a retrospective medical opinion regarding his ability to work during the period from September 18, 2006 to March 23, 2010.

The Board found that the Veteran's cause of death was not related to his service-connected disabilities, and denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of PID, status post hysterectomy and arthritis of hands and shoulders. The claim for hepatitis C remains denied.,Service connection is not granted for PID, status post hysterectomy or arthritis of hands and shoulders.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the underlying claims can be adjudicated on the merits.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding records and the Veteran's failure to attend a scheduled VA examination. The claim will be reviewed again after these issues are addressed.

The Veteran's left shoulder disorder was not incurred during service and the Board found no evidence of a nexus between his current condition and his military service.

The Veteran's increased ratings for right knee, left knee, and right shoulder disabilities have been granted.

The Veteran's right eye corneal scarring is not shown to be productive of active pathology or any impairment of visual acuity, and thus does not warrant a compensable rating.,The currently demonstrated left shoulder impingement syndrome is not shown to be due to an event or incident of the Veteran's active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's additional disabilities are not due to VA care, treatment or examination.,VA medical providers did not cause any of the claimed conditions.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability was rated at 20% prior to February 23, 2007. From February 23, 2007 to November 16, 2011, the rating increased to 30%. Since November 16, 2011, a higher rating of over 40% is denied.

The Veteran is granted a 10% initial rating for his left shoulder disability from July 14, 2005 to January 11, 2010. The effective date remains pending as the claim arose prior to this period.