Shoulder decisions — 2014

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are of such nature and severity as to prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for SMP has been reopened and granted due to the submission of new evidence showing he requires aid and attendance. His combined disability rating is currently at 60 percent, qualifying him for this benefit.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeal for service connection for a heart disorder, to include as secondary to contaminated water exposure at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's initial rating for left shoulder impingement syndrome remains at 10 percent, and service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD) is denied.,No new evidence of a current diagnosis or causal link to service was provided.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back and right shoulder disabilities, finding that there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for the appellant's knee and shoulder disorders, but determined that no effective date earlier than September 13, 2007 can be assigned as the claims were not filed within one year of separation from active duty.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have current diagnoses of right and left shoulder, cervical spine or left ankle disabilities. Therefore, service connection for these conditions cannot be granted.

The Veteran's appeal on the claim of entitlement to a higher initial evaluation for PTSD, rated as 30 percent disabling prior to January 22, 2013 and as 50 percent disabling from January 22, 2013, forward, is dismissed.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability has been evaluated at 30 percent since the initial grant of service connection. The evidence does not support a higher evaluation as his range of motion is limited to no more than 45 degrees, which corresponds to limitation of arm motion at midway between side and shoulder level.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability and an increased rating for left shoulder DJD, finding no evidence of a link between the current disabilities and active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left shoulder disability, diagnosed as DJD of the acromioclavicular joint, is at least as likely as not incurred in service or related to his service-connected cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule a videoconference hearing at the RO. The issues of service connection for various conditions, including psychiatric disorders and musculoskeletal disabilities, are pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and development of records. The issues include right shoulder disability, back disability, and cervical spine disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back, right shoulder, and cervical spine disabilities are not related to his service. The claims for these conditions have been denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's left shoulder disability, characterized by limited motion and pain, did not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent under applicable criteria.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation since March 19, 2008.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and a left shoulder disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the nature and likely etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine if his current disabilities are related to service, including exposure to combat.

The Board denied service connection for right ear hearing loss, left ear hearing loss, and tinnitus. The Veteran's current left shoulder disability is found to be related to his in-service fracture.,Service connection was granted for the Veteran's post-fracture osteoarthrosis of the left glenohumeral and AC joint as secondary to a service-connected left shoulder disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability for which service connection can be granted, specifically for right ankle disorder, left shoulder disorder, and blurred vision.