Shoulder decisions — 2016

The Veteran's initial evaluations for his bilateral shoulder disabilities and RLE paresthesias were granted, with increased ratings assigned effective August 4, 2015.

The appeal is REMANDED to the AOJ for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, updating VA examinations, and considering all issues on appeal.

The Veteran's ex-wife (appellant) is contesting the termination of special apportionment of the Veteran's benefits on behalf of their daughter, A. J., and whether the termination was valid. The case must be remanded to ensure all contested claim procedures have been followed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU rating.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is currently diagnosed, and the Board finds that it is secondary to his service-connected cervical spine DJD. However, the VA examiner provided conflicting opinions regarding whether the right shoulder disability was aggravated by the cervical spine DJD or preexisted service.

The Board found that the Veteran's current left shoulder disability did not have its onset during service and is unrelated to any injury or incident of service. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to his request for a hearing.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder disability is not related to his service-connected cervical spine, lumbar spine, and/or left shoulder disabilities. Therefore, the claim for secondary service connection is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left and right shoulder disorders, including DJD, are not related to his active service or caused by any service-connected conditions. Therefore, service connection is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's left shoulder epicondylitis and cervical spine degenerative arthritis are not service-connected as they were not shown to be related to her military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were granted, with a 60% rating assigned for photosensitivity dermatitis since July 31, 2014. The effective date was not earlier than August 18, 2008.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his residuals of a right shoulder separation and shell fragment wound of the right foot, have been rated appropriately at 10 percent.

The Board denied claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder and left shoulder/arm injury as secondary to her service-connected right ankle disability. Effective dates prior to October 30, 2006 for the grant of service connection for right ankle sprain with instability and prior to February 27, 2012 for the grant of service connection for postoperative right ankle scar were also denied.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, diverticulitis, skin cancer(s), colon polyps, and right shoulder arthritis. The claims are based on the Veteran's in-service herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain medical records and provide the necessary VA examinations.

The Veteran's skin disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by service. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for his left shoulder disorder.

The Board found that the Veteran's arthralgias, including complaints of pain in his bilateral knees, cervical spine, and right shoulder, were not manifested during service or for many years thereafter, and are not shown to be related to his service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left shoulder disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA medical opinions and updating treatment records.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left shoulder, back, and left leg disabilities as they are not related to active military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, scheduling a VA examination, and issuing a Statement of the Case.