Shoulder decisions — 2014

The Board finds that the Veteran's neck or cervical spine disability was not incurred in service and is not etiologically related to an event, disease, or injury of service origin.,The Board also finds that the Veteran's left upper extremity neurological disability (numbness) did not manifest during service and is not etiologically related to a service-connected disability.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for leucopenia and a left shoulder disability, finding that there is not sufficient evidence to establish a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have service connection for diabetes or nerve degeneration affecting the upper extremities, as these conditions are not shown to be related to his military service. The left shoulder arthritis claim is also denied.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected acromioclavicular separation, left shoulder, status post arthroscopic decompression was denied as the evidence did not show that his range of motion more nearly approximated to 25 degrees from his side.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions and the need for additional VA outpatient treatment records.

The Board has decided the claims for higher initial ratings for left knee and left ankle disabilities, finding that they do not meet the criteria for a higher rating than 10 percent.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his right shoulder disability, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on functional impairment due to pain or other factors.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed and the case must be remanded for further development.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability has been rated at 10 percent since May 1, 2011. The VA determined that the condition does not meet criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his right shoulder and right knee disabilities prior to March 17, 2012, and since that date have been denied.

The Veteran's right shoulder tendonitis is currently rated at 20 percent, the maximum schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 5201. The lumbar spine disability remains rated at 20 percent prior to June 13, 2007 and 20 percent from that date.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability, including arthritis and rotator cuff tear, is currently rated at 20 percent. The Board has determined that a higher rating for the arthritis is warranted but not for the rotator cuff tear.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to missing documents from the appellant's healthcare providers and outstanding VA treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional private treatment records.

The Veteran's left wrist sprain and tendonitis are found to be related to his active service. Service connection is granted for this condition. The remaining knee, shoulder, and eye disorders are not found to be directly related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his right shoulder disorder and for any outstanding medical records to be associated with the claims file.

The Veteran's service-connected right shoulder disability was found to have noncompensable limitation of motion due to pain, without additional limitation of motion on use or flare-ups. As such, the preponderance of evidence is against a higher evaluation prior to May 19, 2011.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to clarify the appellant's service status and determine if his current right shoulder disability was aggravated by active duty. The case will be remanded for these purposes.

The Board has decided to remand the case for a supplemental opinion from an examiner regarding whether the Veteran's left shoulder disability is related to service, including in-service complaints.