Shoulder decisions — 2015

The Veteran's appeals have been withdrawn. The claims for service connection for asbestos exposure, a left knee disability, and the reopening of service connection for blurred vision, bronchitis, right tibial stress injury, and hearing loss of the right ear are dismissed.

The Veteran's left shoulder osteoarthritis is rated at 20 percent, effective from November 2, 2007 to the present. The residuals of his right inguinal hernia repair with testicular pain are also rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD is found as likely as not due to a verified in-service stressor of physical assault, and service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain medical records, determine the etiology of his disabilities, and consider his claim for a TDIU.

The Veteran's left and right shoulder subluxations are rated at the maximum available rating of 40 percent each, based on limitation of motion. The appeal is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining an examination and addendum opinions to address the relationship between his service-connected right shoulder disorder and his left shoulder degenerative joint disease and cervical spine degenerative arthritis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including tension headaches and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD), have been denied due to a lack of credible supporting evidence for the claimed in-service stressors.

The Board found no evidence of a current disability or in-service injury that would support service connection for the Veteran's bilateral shoulder, elbow, and back disabilities. The claims were denied as there was insufficient medical evidence to establish a link between any present condition and service.

The Board has granted service connection for a right shoulder disability and denied service connection for a left varicocele.

The Board has granted service connection for arthritis of the right arm, knee, and shoulder. The Veteran's current conditions are deemed to be related to his in-service injuries.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD had its onset in service and is therefore granted as a result of direct service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to issues of service connection and compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 that are pending before a different Veterans Law Judge.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the claims of service connection for right shoulder disability, prostate disability, and hypertension. The Veteran's current right shoulder disability is considered incurred in or related to his military service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims to reopen and establish service connection for asthma, PTSD, irritable bowel syndrome, right hand disability, left shoulder disability, and right foot disability. The remaining issues are pending further review.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding hearing requests and will schedule a videoconference hearing for the Veteran.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability, including arthritis and rotator cuff tendonitis, is currently rated at 20 percent effective June 8, 2013. The rating reflects the limitation of arm motion to 90 degrees in abduction.

The Veteran's right and left shoulder disabilities have been granted increased ratings to 40 percent for the right shoulder disability and 30 percent for the left shoulder disability, effective from the dates of their respective increases.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for her service-connected chronic partial tear, rotator cuff, left shoulder is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examination and updated treatment records.

The Board has determined that further examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's left shoulder and right knee disabilities, as well as whether they are related to service.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various disorders are denied as there is no current disability related to the in-service injuries and the claimed conditions have not been shown to be directly related to service.