Shoulder decisions — 2017

The Veteran's initial claim for a left shoulder disability was granted, and he is currently receiving a 10% rating effective July 1, 2007. He also received a temporary total convalescent rating from April 10, 2008 to July 1, 2008, followed by another temporary total convalescent rating from July 1, 2008 to February 2, 2009.,The Veteran's left shoulder disability is currently rated as 10% disabling since February 3, 2009.

The Veteran's combined rating for service connected disabilities was sufficient to meet the criteria for a TDIU as of May 14, 2010. The Board found that his service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claim for a right shoulder disability has been reopened, but service connection is not granted. The left knee disability remains at the maximum schedular rating of 60 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral shoulder disorders, including as secondary to a service-connected thoracolumbar spine disability. The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected disabilities are remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left shoulder sprain and sternocostal strain do not warrant an initial compensable rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left shoulder and cervical spine disabilities did not originate in service, within a year of service, or are otherwise etiologically related to her active service. The VA medical opinions provided no evidence supporting secondary service connection.

The Veteran meets the schedular criteria for a TDIU and his service-connected disabilities preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claim for residuals of a head injury was denied as there is no credible evidence of an in-service head injury. The claims for right shoulder and knee disabilities are pending, with the need for additional VA examination to determine if they are related to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for neck, bilateral leg, and bilateral shoulder disabilities. The evidence did not establish a direct relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have qualifying service with the Armed Forces and is therefore ineligible for VA compensation benefits related to a left shoulder disability. For the low back and left leg disabilities, there is no evidence of an in-service injury or disease, and the current conditions are not shown to be related to active duty service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of his claims, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new examination.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a right shoulder disability was granted. The Board found that the current right shoulder disability is related to service and not secondary to his service-connected thoracolumbar spine arthritis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left shoulder condition is caused by his service-connected right shoulder disability, and thus grants service connection for this disability on a secondary basis.

The Veteran's claim for vocational rehabilitation and employment benefits was denied because he does not have an employment handicap, and his current occupation as a senior engineer is considered suitable.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine, bilateral shoulder, and left knee disabilities are related to service.

The Board finds that there is no competent or credible evidence to support the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, sleep apnea, bilateral hearing loss disability, tinnitus, and right shoulder disability. The earliest clinical evidence of these conditions does not date back to active service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to new evidence and need for further examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for hepatitis C and entitlement to an increased rating for his left shoulder disability, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of chronic disabilities affecting the right hip, low back, middle finger, ankles, wrists, thumbs, or shoulder during service. The Veteran's current complaints are not supported by objective medical findings and he does not have a currently diagnosed disability for which service connection can be granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected right shoulder disorder and whether he qualifies for TDIU.