Shoulder decisions — 2015

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back (thoracolumbar spine) disability and a right shoulder disability, finding that there is no evidence of an in-service injury or disease related to these conditions, and that any current disabilities are not related to his service or service-connected neck disability.

The Veteran's combined disability rating is 80 percent, which meets the percentage requirements for a TDIU. However, his service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following all substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and occupational experience.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for recurrent left shoulder dislocations and right rotator cuff tear. The issues of service connection for these conditions are now to be adjudicated on their merits.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show objective symptoms warranting a rating in excess of 50 percent for his acquired psychiatric disorder, nor did it show other deficiencies in most areas such as work, school, family relationships, judgment, thinking or mood.

The Veteran's hypertension was shown in service and is currently present, meeting the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of his left shoulder disability and the nature and etiology of any diagnosed bilateral hand and wrist disabilities.

The Veteran's right shoulder tendonitis and muscle strain were found to have been incurred in active military service. The TMJ disability was granted a 30 percent rating, which is the highest schedular rating available for limited inter-incisal range of motion. The erectile dysfunction claim was withdrawn by the appellant.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including verification of duty status during a May 1994 accident and obtaining all relevant medical records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder disability is incurred during active duty service, and thus grants service connection for this condition. However, the left eye disability is not related to service and therefore denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional examinations and consideration of a 1151 claim, as well as reconsideration of TDIU.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals on the claims for service connection for tinnitus/ear ringing, mid and low back pain, left shoulder pain, right hip pain, and a heart condition prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran's initial compensable disability ratings for right and left shoulder strain were granted prior to September 21, 2011. Ratings in excess of 10 percent are not warranted at any time over the appeals period.

The Veteran's left shoulder disorder was granted a 20 percent evaluation effective May 19, 2015. Prior to this date, the disability had been rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's current cervical spine degenerative disc disease/degenerative joint disease is found to be etiologically related to his combat service in Vietnam. The right and left shoulder disorders are pending as the VA examination has not yet been conducted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating or service connection.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability and bilateral hearing loss are service-connected, with the right shoulder disability being granted on a direct basis due to in-service injury. The effective date for these conditions is not specified.

The Veteran's right ankle disability is rated at 20 percent, effective September 22, 2009. The rating for his right knee disability remains at 10 percent. His right ankle surgical scars are rated as compensable (10 percent) since April 14, 2014. A noncompensable rating is assigned for his left ankle disability and a 10 percent rating is assigned for his bilateral hydroceles/varicoceles.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection and TDIU. The case is being remanded to obtain relevant medical records, including from a chiropractor in Cornell, Wisconsin, and any workers' compensation records.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability has been rated at 10 percent since October 7, 2010. The Board granted a 20 percent rating for the right shoulder disability effective from October 7, 2010.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left shoulder disorder is not related to his military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.