Shoulder decisions — 2017

The Veteran is permanently and totally disabled due to service-connected disabilities, including low back disability, bilateral knee instability, right shoulder tendonitis, pelvic disorders involving the hips, left and right lower extremity sensory deficits. The Veteran's total disability rating precludes locomotion without the aid of braces and canes, meeting the criteria for a certificate of eligibility for financial assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a left shoulder disorder. The Board has determined that additional development is needed, including obtaining medical records and an examination to determine the nature and etiology of his current left shoulder disorder.

The Veteran seeks service connection for various disabilities, including a cervical spine disability, right shoulder disability, bilateral hip disability, low back disability, and residuals of a head injury. The appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and information regarding the Veteran's post-service employment in Iraq.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, left shoulder arthritis, and polycystic kidney disease are not related to service. As a result, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including panic disorder and stress urinary incontinence, have rendered her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral shoulder disability and bilateral knee disability are related to his active service, with no evidence of pre-service or post-service incurrence. The claims for service connection have been granted.

The Veteran's ankylosing spondylitis of the entire spine is rated at 100% from December 1, 2005 to February 28, 2011.,The Veteran's Crohn's disease is rated at 60% since June 18, 2003. The hearing loss disability ratings are discussed in detail below.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to scheduling issues for a videoconference hearing. The case will be handled by the RO with jurisdiction over her current address.

The Board found no evidence to support a finding that the Veteran's current right shoulder disability or lung disability are causally related to service. The claims for service connection were denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of his medical records.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected left shoulder disability is being remanded due to inadequate examination reports and the need for further testing.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current cirrhosis of the liver, cervical spine disability, right shoulder arthritis, and right knee arthritis did not manifest during service or within one year of separation from service. Therefore, these claims are denied.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board has determined that a higher rating of 30 percent is warranted.

The Veteran's disability rating meets schedular requirements for TDIU, but further evidentiary development is required to assess the extent of his service-connected disabilities' impact on his employability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for VA examinations to assess the current level of his hearing disability, right shoulder disability, and left shoulder disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment for the period prior to September 25, 2013.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination and treatment records, requiring a new VA examination and additional development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a videoconference hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied, with the effective dates set at August 31, 2009.,There is no evidence of a factually ascertainable increase in disability prior to August 31, 2009.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's preexisting right shoulder condition was aggravated by a shoulder injury in service, and therefore grants service connection for a right shoulder disability.