Shoulder decisions — 2015

The reduction of the rating from 10 percent to noncompensable for left shoulder disability was improper, and the original 10 percent rating is restored.,The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for lumbar spine disability remains denied.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his right foot fracture is denied as the evidence does not show that his disability meets or approximates the criteria for a higher rating. The Veteran's service-connected right shoulder injury with degenerative joint disease and cervical spine degenerative disc disease are rated based on their current manifestations, which do not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as the service connection for all claimed conditions has been granted, but no higher ratings are warranted.,No effective date earlier than May 16, 2013, is assigned for SMC at the housebound rate.

The Veteran seeks a higher level of special monthly compensation (SMC) under 38 U.S.C.A. � 1114(o). The Board has determined that additional development is needed, including obtaining SSA records and providing the Veteran with an updated VCAA letter.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining his service personnel records and VA/VA-authorized treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left shoulder scar, status post excision of leiomyosarcoma, does not meet the criteria for a compensable initial rating.

The Veteran's service-connected left shoulder disorder is granted, but his initial rating for bilateral hearing loss remains noncompensable.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen his service connection claim for a right shoulder disability. The case is being remanded to obtain audiometric testing results from October 2009.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has dismissed the appeal of the issue regarding entitlement to service connection for a right shoulder disability because the Veteran did not file an NOD with this portion of the RO's denial. The claim remains pending on the issue of left shoulder disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed disabilities, including a left shoulder disability, back disability, and left ankle disability, were not incurred or aggravated during his military service. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's sinus condition and depression are not service-connected.,Widespread arthritis is not service-connected. The Veteran has a painful, superficial scar from the forehead laceration.

The Board has determined that there is no credible evidence of an in-service injury or disease related to the appellant's right shoulder and neck disorders, and thus service connection for these conditions cannot be established.

The Board is remanding the Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for his service-connected residuals of a right shoulder injury prior to June 20, 2011 and for a compensable rating for his service-connected left wrist fracture residuals. Additional development is needed including obtaining VA treatment records and arranging for medical examinations.

The Veteran's increased rating claim for left shoulder disability was denied. Service connection for right shoulder tendonitis and right knee sprain were granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including pes planus, a right knee disability, left elbow bursitis, a right shoulder disability, and hip disabilities. The evidence did not establish current diagnoses or show that any claimed conditions were incurred in or aggravated by military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic lumbar spine disability was denied as there is no medical evidence showing the current condition is related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims of increased rating for her service-connected right knee disability and new issues of PTSD, a right shoulder disability, and a left hip disability. The RO has not issued an SOC on these matters. The case is REMANDED to obtain updated VA examination and treatment records, issue an SOC, and readjudicate the claims.

The Veteran's service-connected right shoulder disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have not rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation during the period prior to December 6, 2012.