Shoulder decisions — 2017

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including amputation of the right forearm and multiple scars, have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance due to his physical limitations. The Board has determined that he meets the criteria for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board has found that the Veteran's bilateral shoulder disorder did not manifest within one year of separation from service and does not have a direct relationship to his active duty service. The claim for service connection is therefore denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from engaging in substantially gainful employment, and therefore the criteria for a TDIU are not met.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for new examinations to evaluate the current nature and severity of his service-connected left shoulder disability.

The Board found that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and left shoulder disability do not warrant increased ratings under the applicable rating criteria. The current 60 percent rating for the lumbar spine disability is considered higher than any other appropriate scenario, and a 10 percent rating for the left shoulder disability remains unchanged.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left shoulder DJD is related to service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder numbness and stomach symptoms are part of his diabetes mellitus process, and therefore do not constitute separate compensable disabilities. For hypertension, the Board found no service connection as it is less likely than not related to service or secondary to diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for headaches has been granted, with the highest available rating of 50 percent effective from July 2006. The remaining claims are being remanded for additional development.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for a bilateral shoulder condition, which he claims was incurred during his military service. The VA has ordered a remand due to the need for additional development and an examination.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability was granted a 60 percent rating effective May 19, 2014. The left shoulder tendon tear issue remains on appeal.

The case is being returned to the AOJ for obtaining outstanding VA treatment records and further development. The Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spinal disorder and shoulder disorder are pending.

The Board found that the Veteran's current left shoulder disability is etiologically related to his period of active service, and thus granted service connection for a left shoulder disability.

The Veteran's current right shoulder, bilateral knee, and bilateral hip disabilities are found to be proximately caused by his service-connected right foot, left foot, and right ankle disabilities.

The Board has decided the appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, and scheduling VA examinations.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal, satisfied with the benefits he was receiving.

The Board has granted service connection for recurrent right shoulder injury residuals including post-operative clavicular dislocation residuals and right humeral fracture residuals, but denied the claim of entitlement to service connection for a right hip disability. The Veteran's right shoulder injuries are considered to be related to his service-connected right knee osteomalacia.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a new VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected knee and shoulder disabilities. The issues include seeking higher initial ratings for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder rotator cuff tear and acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis, as well as his bilateral knee degenerative joint disease (arthritis), are related to service. The appeals for these conditions have been granted.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant in a statement dated January 11, 2017.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeals regarding all issues on appeal.