Shoulder decisions — 2014

The Veteran's left shoulder impingement syndrome, with acromioclavicular arthritis, is currently rated at 20 percent and the claim for an increased evaluation has been denied.

The Veteran's left shoulder disorder has been rated at 30 percent since November 5, 2008. The VA determined that the condition warrants this rating based on significant limitation of motion and pain.

The Veteran's claims for increased initial ratings for his service-connected back disability, bilateral foot disability, left shoulder disability, and eczema have been granted. The decision also addressed right lower extremity radiculopathy associated with the back disability.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability. The remaining issues of entitlement to service connection for right shoulder and left shoulder degenerative changes are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for basic eligibility for VA nonservice-connected pension benefits has been granted. The issues of whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen a claim for entitlement to service connection for left ear hearing loss, as well as the claims for PTSD, back disability, neck disability, bilateral knee disabilities, bilateral ankle disabilities, bilateral shoulder disabilities, and traumatic brain injury have also been addressed.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for a TDIU due to her service-connected disabilities, finding that she is capable of securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board found no evidence of an in-service injury or disease related to the left shoulder disability and concluded that service connection cannot be granted as the Veteran's current condition is not linked to his active military service.

The Board denied service connection for various disabilities, including right shoulder, left shoulder, right knee, left foot/ankle, low back, gouty arthritis, and chronic sinusitis. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of in-service incurrence or a nexus to service.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left shoulder disabilities, finding that the Veteran's current symptoms are related to his active duty service. The claims were initially denied due to lack of evidence in service records, but the Veteran provided credible lay testimony regarding the onset and continuity of his shoulder pain.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the severity of his left shoulder rotator cuff tear and its impact on his employment. The TDIU claim will also be addressed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining recent medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating and TDIU was denied. The Board found that the current 40 percent rating adequately reflects his service-connected left shoulder disability, which is rated under Diagnostic Codes 5201 (limitation of motion) and 5303 (muscle impairment).

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and Social Security Administration disability benefits application records. A TDIU examination will also be scheduled.

The Veteran's residuals of a resection of the left clavicle and acromioplasty with degenerative joint disease are rated at 10 percent, effective June 11, 2010. The Board found that his disability does not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his service-connected left shoulder disability was denied. The Board found that the current 20 percent rating adequately reflects the severity of the condition based on the range of motion tests performed.

The Board has ordered a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran has right shoulder arthritis and whether it is caused or aggravated by his service-connected bilateral shoulder strain. The case will be returned for further review.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability was rated at 20% prior to October 1, 2010. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is service-connected and caused by overuse due to her left shoulder disability. The reduction in evaluation of the left shoulder from 30% to 10% was proper, as there was no evidence of stabilization or improvement warranting a higher rating. The initial evaluations for major depressive disorder are granted at 50% prior to January 9, 2009 and 50% since that date.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the nature and etiology of his bilateral knee, shoulder, back disorders, benign prostatic hypertrophy with urinary obstruction, incipient senile cataract, sleep apnea, erectile dysfunction, and hypertension.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected right shoulder and right knee disabilities. The AOJ will also obtain all outstanding VA medical records.