Shoulder decisions — 2015

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records. The issues on appeal are related to his service-connected conditions and a new shoulder disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the lack of post-service clinical records and the need for additional examinations. The claims will be re-adjudicated after all requested information is provided.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left shoulder disability is related to his active duty service, and thus grants service connection for a left shoulder disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for an updated assessment of his eligibility for vocational rehabilitation and employment benefits, given changes in his employment status and combined evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing a new opinion from a VA examiner regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities were contributory to his death.

The Board found no evidence of an in-service injury or disease that caused the Veteran's current low back, left shoulder, and right knee disabilities. The VA examiner opined that these conditions are more likely due to post-service repetitive traumas.

The Veteran's claimed conditions, including fibromyalgia and shoulder pain, are not related to service or any service-connected disability. The Board finds that the claims for these conditions must be denied.

The Veteran's right thumb disability is rated at the maximum allowable under VA regulations, and no additional rating is warranted.,VA compensation for a left shoulder scar with pain and numbness was denied as there is no evidence of direct fault on the part of VA.

The Board has granted an extension of the temporary total convalescence rating for the Veteran's right shoulder disability through November 30, 2009. The rating was originally assigned in September 2009 and extended to September 30, 2009. The decision is based on medical evidence showing continued need for physical therapy following surgery.

The Veteran's posttraumatic headaches have been rated at 50 percent, effective December 18, 2008. The right shoulder disability remains not service connected.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder is not service-connected, as there is no evidence linking his current condition to an in-service injury. The cervical spine and right shoulder disorders are currently under consideration.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for nerve damage of the bilateral arms and shoulders. The case will be remanded for a comprehensive VA examination, review of all available records, and readjudication.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, left shoulder disability, and right ankle disability, collectively preclude him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran does not have any of the claimed disabilities, and there is no evidence that these conditions are related to his service.

The Board found that there was no evidence to support service connection for the claimed conditions, including left shoulder disability, back disability, neck disability, right hip disability, and disorders of the nose and/or sinuses. The Veteran's claims were denied as his disabilities did not meet the criteria for direct service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a heart disorder, eye disorder, or right shoulder disorder that was incurred in or aggravated by service. The claims are therefore denied.

The Veteran's initial compensable/increased evaluations for his service-connected disabilities have been granted, with effective dates ranging from July 7, 2006 to October 15, 2012.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete medical records and unresolved etiology issues.

The Board has assigned an effective date of May 13, 2011 for the awards of service connection for right shoulder strain and back strain. No earlier effective dates are warranted as no claim was filed within one year of the Veteran's discharge from active duty.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to inadequate VA examination opinions and the need for additional medical evidence.