Shoulder decisions — 2016

The Board has determined that further development is needed in this case to determine the nature and severity of the Veteran's left shoulder disability, as well as whether it is secondary to his service-connected thoracic outlet syndrome. The Veteran will be scheduled for a VA examination to address these issues.

The Veteran's left shoulder tendonitis with degenerative changes was found to not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to January 6, 2011.

The Veteran's PTSD developed as a result of an in-service motor vehicle accident, and the Board finds that he meets the criteria for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities require the need for aid and assistance of others for dressing, bathing, and feeding. Therefore, SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance is granted.

The Veteran's appeal regarding the extension of a temporary total evaluation for his left shoulder disability beyond August 31, 2010 was denied. The claim for an increased evaluation for his left shoulder disability and initial evaluation for right knee disability were also denied.

The Board has remanded the claims due to additional development being required.

The Veteran's tinnitus had its onset in service and has been recurrent since then, warranting service connection. The remaining claims for lumbar spine disorder, sciatic nerve disorder, left shoulder disorder, and TBI residuals are addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain updated VA treatment records, Social Security Administration (SSA) records, and reschedule the Veteran for an examination regarding his right knee disability. The claim will be adjudicated again after obtaining these records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and the provision of relevant medical records. The issues regarding his right shoulder, lumbar spine, and left heel spur are not yet resolved.

The Veteran's appeals for higher initial ratings and an earlier effective date were denied. The appeal regarding the lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, right shoulder sprain, left ankle sprain, allergic rhinitis, and tension headaches is pending.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right and left shoulder disabilities, as well as his right knee disability, were denied. The claim for TDIU was not decided.

The Board found that the Veteran's current left shoulder disability was not caused or aggravated by his service-connected right shoulder disability and therefore denied service connection on a secondary basis.

The Veteran's right shoulder degenerative joint disease was not found to warrant a rating greater than 10 percent prior to May 9, 2011 and not more than 30 percent since that date.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is rated at 20 percent since October 25, 2011. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating for any period prior to October 25, 2011.

The Veteran's claim for total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted, effective from July 23, 2008. The combined rating of his service-connected conditions allows him to qualify for TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected right hand tremor and residuals of a right shoulder dislocation are severe enough to prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU.

The Board finds that the Veteran's claims for service connection are not supported by credible evidence and thus, these claims have been denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of a right shoulder/clavicle disorder, hypertension, lumbar spine disorder, obesity, or osteoarthritis (left knee). The claim for service connection is denied.