Shoulder Board decisions

The Veteran's tinnitus had its onset during active service and is granted service connection. The Board finds the Veteran credible in his report of a decline in hearing loss post-service, but an addendum opinion is needed to address this issue. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no evidence of noise exposure or current disability. Service connection for gastrointestinal disabilities (including GERD) and acquired psychiatric disorders are also denied due to lack of medical nexus opinions. An addendum opinion on the etiology of the Veteran's shoulder disabilities is needed.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability, to include left shoulder impingement (minor), does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran is seeking compensation for additional disabilities resulting from a cervical diskectomy and fusion performed in 2008. The Board has determined that further development, including obtaining an opinion on the proximate cause of any additional disability, is necessary.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is rated at 20 percent, but her right hip labral tear remains at a denied status.

The Veteran's right shoulder condition resulted in limited or painful motion prior to April 6, 2012, warranting a 10 percent rating.,The Veteran's low back condition resulted in limited or painful motion prior to March 10, 2008, warranting a 10 percent rating.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the current evaluations adequately reflected her disability levels.

The Board finds that the Veteran's bilateral heel and left shoulder disabilities did not manifest during service or are not related to any in-service injury, event, or illness. The evidence does not support a finding of secondary service connection.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for pain at the right sternoclavicular joint as there is no evidence of a separate and distinct disability other than his already service-connected right clavicle scar and right shoulder degenerative joint disease.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of new evidence. The issues include a claim for an increased rating for sciatica, right lower extremity, and a secondary service connection claim for a right shoulder disability.

The Veteran's right shoulder impairment and cervical spondylosis with degenerative changes have been rated, but the right shoulder rating is less than the maximum under applicable criteria.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar strain and a left knee condition, as well as his acquired psychiatric disorder (adjustment disorder), left knee disability, right knee disability, and lumbar spine disability. The evidence supports that these conditions began in active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's appeal for service connection for depression is withdrawn. The claim for a compensable rating for hypertension is granted, with an initial evaluation of 10%. Service connection for alcoholism and right shoulder disability is denied.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to her withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's son, J.K., is recognized as a helpless child due to permanent incapacity for self-support before his 18th birthday. The Veteran's neck disorder and right shoulder and elbow disorders are not service connected.

The Board has remanded the claims due to outstanding VA treatment records and will consider additional evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and severity of the Veteran's disabilities.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for nerve damage as secondary to prostate cancer with radical prostatectomy. The April 2013 VA examination opinion concluded that the Veteran's diagnosed nerve condition is less likely than not related to his service connected disability of residuals, prostate cancer with radical prostatectomy and erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral shoulder and elbow tendinitis are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records and providing proper notice regarding secondary service connection.

The Veteran's lumbar spine condition is rated at 20 percent prior to May 12, 2014 and at 40 percent thereafter. The right foot gout and TDIU issues are granted.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his satisfaction with the decision granting service connection for a psychiatric disorder and assigning a 50 percent rating.