Shoulder decisions — 2014

The Board found no evidence of an increase in disability resulting from the 1988 VA surgery, and thus denied compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for a left shoulder disability.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral elbow, shoulder, and wrist disabilities are related to his military service due to their secondary nature.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability, characterized by limited motion and a residual surgical scar, has been rated at 20 percent since August 16, 2007. The extension of the temporary total rating for convalescence following surgery on February 14, 2007 is granted.

The Board denied increased disability ratings for PTSD, bilateral plantar fasciitis, and post-operative residuals of left shoulder DJD.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for right shoulder impingement syndrome causing neurological impairment is denied as there was no communication from the Veteran to VA prior to March 12, 2009 that could be construed as a claim for benefits.

The Veteran's increased ratings for left shoulder and right knee conditions have been granted, effective July 23, 2011. The claim of service connection for hypertension has also been granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including arthritis of the left shoulder and associated paresthesia, prevent him from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his TBI.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current bilateral elbow disability and therefore, service connection for this issue is denied. The Veteran's left shoulder disability is granted as it is at least in equipoise with respect to whether he had such a condition during or immediately following his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's psychiatric disorder, low back disability, and right shoulder disability are not related to service.,Service connection for a psychiatric disorder, low back disability, and right shoulder disability is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and left shoulder degenerative joint disease, but denied service connection for the claimed left pinkie finger disability due to lack of a nexus between the current condition and active duty service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left shoulder disability is related to his active service and therefore grants entitlement to service connection for this disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left shoulder strain had its onset in service as a result of an injury during boxing, and thus grants service connection for this disability.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including verification of the Veteran's service dates and obtaining his complete service treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records and a determination of his current disability severity. The issues of entitlement to service connection for shoulder pain, knee pain, and leg pain are also pending.

The Board has determined that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether a current right shoulder disability, diagnosed as old post-traumatic changes of the articular end of the clavicle with marked periarticular osteopenia, early osteoarthritis of the glenohumeral joint, and degenerative changes, had its onset during active military service. As such, entitlement to service connection for a right shoulder disorder is granted.

The Board found no evidence of a nexus between the Veteran's service and his current back, cervical spine, or shoulder conditions. The Veteran's claimed disabilities are not presumed to have been incurred in service.

The Veteran's joint pains, including bilateral knee and shoulder pains, are found to be due to undiagnosed illness related to his service in the Persian Gulf War. The claims for genital warts, herpes, shingles with residuals of nerve and joint pains, and broken ribs were denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities or a connection to service.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for diabetic nephropathy was denied as there is no evidence that he experienced the condition prior to February 6, 2012. The claim for a left shoulder disability was also addressed but not granted due to lack of current disability.