Shoulder decisions — 2017

The Veteran's bilateral shoulder disability was found to be associated with his motor vehicle collision in service resulting in chronic supraspinatus/trapezius myofascial pain syndrome. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's pre-existing left shoulder disability did not increase in severity during service and thus, denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right shoulder disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and an addendum opinion.

The Board has granted service connection for right shoulder disability and found that the Veteran's arthritis is presumed to have been incurred in service. The initial rating for right ankle disability remains under review.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a current left hip, shoulder, or knee disability and insufficient medical evidence to establish service connection for any respiratory disability. The Veteran's claims are denied.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder and granted service connection. The Veteran is also granted service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, connective tissue disorder, bilateral shoulder disability, and bilateral knee disability. However, no effective date was assigned as the increase in disability did not occur within one year of the receipt of the claim.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims for service connection for a right shoulder disability and dental trauma. However, the Veteran's claims are denied as there is no evidence showing a current disability or etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining missing service treatment records and private medical records. The Veteran will be provided an opportunity to respond after any new evidence is considered.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability has been manifested by subjective complaints of functional limitations due to pain and guarding, with objective findings including no limitation of motion beyond the normal range. The Board found that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's pulmonary chest pain is rated at 60 percent, effective May 1, 2009. The lower extremity paresthesia ratings remain unchanged.

The Veteran does not have a right shoulder disability that is related to his service. The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence shows that the Veteran's right shoulder disorder was not incurred in or caused by his service.,The Veteran meets the minimum schedular requirements for TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities, but he is currently able to perform sedentary work and has a history of working 30 years before retiring.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were granted. The initial rating of 60 percent was assigned for coronary artery disease, effective May 1, 2007, with a subsequent increase to 100 percent effective June 10, 2013. Gout received an initial evaluation of 40 percent. Osteoarthritis and post-operative residuals of right shoulder surgery were each assigned an initial evaluation of 10 percent.

The Veteran does not have a diagnosed disability of the left shoulder or arm other than service-connected left upper extremity radiculopathy and service-connected weakness, fatigue, and pain of the left upper extremity. Symptomatology in the left shoulder/arm has been shown to be due to the already service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left shoulder condition existed prior to service and was not aggravated by service beyond its natural progression, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The Board determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment, thus denying his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has granted an extension of the Veteran's temporary total rating for convalescence following his right shoulder surgery to May 1, 2008. The appeal is remanded to determine if further extension beyond June 1, 2008, is warranted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral elbow and arm disabilities are related to his service-connected shoulder disabilities, granting service connection for these conditions.,An additional VA opinion is required to address the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hands and wrists disabilities, including ganglion cysts present during service.

The Veteran's claim for automobile and adaptive equipment or for adaptive equipment only is denied as he does not meet the requirements of this program due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to issues related to service connection for a lung disorder and left shoulder impingement. The Veteran's lung disorder claim is being reviewed, as well as his left shoulder condition which is already service-connected.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral shoulder and right hand disabilities are service-connected as they began during his military service.