Shoulder decisions — 2015

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ankle and left shoulder disabilities are not related to his service-connected bilateral pes planus, and thus cannot be granted on a secondary basis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining or maintaining a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's increased disability rating for tendonitis of the left shoulder was granted, with an effective date of April 30, 2013.

The Board has granted service connection for a right knee disorder as due to an undiagnosed illness, but the issue of service connection for a bilateral shoulder disorder is remanded.

The Veteran's left shoulder degenerative arthritis with impingement syndrome is currently rated at 30 percent since October 23, 2014.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining relevant medical records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete medical opinions and to clarify the relationship between his current shoulder disability and service.

The Veteran's claims were improperly reduced in 1979, and the Board has restored his original disability ratings of 40% for residuals of right shoulder gunshot wound and 40% for diminished sensation of the right lower extremity.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of August 27, 2001, for the grant of service connection for anxiety with PTSD has been granted.

The Board denied service connection for low back and left shoulder disorders, finding no evidence of chronic conditions in service or continuity of symptoms. The acquired psychiatric disorder claim was also denied as there is no clear evidence that the current condition is related to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, high cholesterol, right shoulder tendonitis, left shoulder tendonitis, chronic ear infections, dental issues, and allergic rhinitis (claimed as sinus issues) due to herbicide exposure is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II, is granted. The Board has also granted service connection for degenerative joint disease of the left shoulder and lumbar spine with compression fracture of the thoracic spine, as well as right great toe joint replacement, status post degenerative joint disease. An initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for each condition is not warranted.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and right shoulder glenohumeral joint osteoarthritis based on direct service connection. The Veteran's current disabilities are related to his active service.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back, bilateral ankle, and right shoulder disabilities did not manifest during service or are otherwise directly related to her service. The preponderance of evidence is against a finding that these conditions were caused by or aggravated by her service-connected bilateral knee disabilities.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to ensure the Veteran receives proper notice and assistance in connection with his claims, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling him for a VA examination. The appeal will be remanded for these purposes.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for low back and right shoulder disabilities were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for either condition.

The Board finds that the Veteran has a chronic right shoulder disability that became manifest in service and has persisted, granting service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's current right shoulder and right knee conditions are found to be related to his military service.,The Veteran has been diagnosed with sleep apnea, which is presumed to have developed during his active duty.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the veteran's right shoulder and bilateral knee disabilities, as well as whether they are related to service or reserve duty. The case is being remanded for further action.