Shoulder decisions — 2014

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral upper extremity neurological disorders, including CTS of the hands and degenerative joint disease of the shoulders, were not incurred during his military service or due to a service-connected disability. The initial noncompensable rating for a bilateral hearing loss disability prior to July 7, 2012, was denied, as well as an increased rating beyond 10 percent from that date.

The Veteran's upper back and left shoulder pain have been evaluated as service-connected conditions, but the VA has determined that they do not warrant a higher initial evaluation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability, skin conditions of the feet, patellofemoral syndrome of the knees, and left shoulder disability. The Veteran's PTSD was evaluated as 50 percent disabling.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a left shoulder disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder, as well as her requests for increased disability ratings for her knees, were denied. The Board found no current evidence of the claimed conditions.

The Board has restored the prior higher rating for the Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain with residuals and disc herniation. The remaining claims of entitlement to a higher rating for left shoulder strain, service connection for sleep apnea, and TDIU are remanded due to procedural deficiencies.

The Board has remanded the case due to need for additional development, including verification of service dates and clarification on the nature and etiology of the appellant's hearing loss and right shoulder disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including the scheduling of a new VA examination to determine the current level of severity of his increased rating claims on appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed left and right shoulder disabilities are not service-connected as they are not shown to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is rated at 10 percent since February 22, 2007. The left leg disability was initially rated as noncompensable and has been increased to 10 percent effective September 4, 2012.,Neuropathy in the left lower extremity (deep peroneal nerve) is currently rated at 10 percent since September 4, 2012.

The Board found that the Veteran's left shoulder disorder was not incurred or aggravated in service and is not related to any incident during service. The examiner opined that it was less likely than not caused by an in-service injury, as there were no complaints of shoulder issues upon discharge examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right shoulder disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining relevant service treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine his need for aid and attendance or whether he is housebound due to service-connected disabilities. The issue of service connection for tinnitus will also be remanded for issuance of a Statement of the Case.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions and finds that new and material evidence has been received to reopen these claims.

The Board denied service connection for a cervical spine disorder and the petition to reopen a claim of service connection for a left shoulder disorder.,Service connection was not granted as there is no evidence of an in-service injury or disease, and current symptoms are not related to service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed, including obtaining service treatment records and VA clinical records. The appeal will be remanded for these actions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling the Veteran for VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left and right knee disorders are related to his period of service, with reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran. The Board also finds that the Veteran's current shoulder disorders may be related to his period of service or exposure to herbicides/Agent Orange, but this was not addressed by the examiner.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD, TDIU due to PTSD, service connection for a right shoulder disability, and temporary total evaluation based on surgical or other treatment necessitating convalescence for the right shoulder were all denied. The Board found that there was no credible evidence of a specific right shoulder injury in-service and no nexus to the post-service right shoulder disability since service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection, increased ratings, and earlier effective dates were denied. The Board found no evidence of a neurological disorder related to his shrapnel wounds, and the evaluations for his shoulder disabilities did not meet the criteria for higher ratings.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis is related to service, and granted service connection for this condition. The left hip disability and shoulder disabilities are not found to be related to service.