Shoulder decisions — 2014

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and arranging for a new orthopedic examination to assess the current severity of his right shoulder disability. The claim for TDIU will also be addressed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection due to outstanding treatment records, need for new examinations during a flare-up period, and other procedural issues.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current disabilities, including arthritis of multiple joints (including cervical spine, left and right shoulders, and left and right hands), are not related to his active service or any in-service injury. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a lung condition, but remands the case for further development and consideration.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to consider his left shoulder disability and the eligibility of his daughter, T., as a 'helpless child'.

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

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right and left shoulder disabilities do not warrant an increased rating as they do not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under the applicable VA Rating Schedule. The current ratings are considered adequate to reflect the severity of the service-connected disability.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims of service connection for right and left knee disabilities, but not for residuals of left shoulder injuries. The Veteran's claim for unspecified results of overdose of pain medications is denied as there is no medical evidence of a diagnosed disability resulting from the alleged overdose.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for his recurrent right shoulder disorder, which he contends was caused by a fall related to his service-connected foot disabilities. The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and need for further VA examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's left shoulder disability, diagnosed as degenerative joint disease with a history of recurrent dislocation, is not related to his military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate medical opinions and missing pulmonary function test results.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a left shoulder disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining X-rays and providing an addendum opinion.

The Veteran's vertigo is rated at 30 percent, effective from the date of the August 2008 rating decision. Service connection for left shoulder disability (including tendonosis and DJD) was granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability of a blood clot to the right temple, and there is no credible evidence linking his claimed shoulder or collarbone injuries to service. The Board also found that there is insufficient evidence to establish continuity of symptoms since service.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability was not incurred in or aggravated by service. The Board finds the Veteran's assertions of continuity of symptoms since service are not credible and there is no medical evidence showing a chronic condition during service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further action, including scheduling a Travel Board hearing.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected gunshot wound, left shoulder disability, and PTSD with dysthymia and mild anxiety.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left shoulder and arm disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The decision found that there was no credible evidence to support the claimed stressors related to his service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development of the record, including obtaining private medical records from Dr. J.D.L.