Shoulder Board decisions

The Board found that the Veteran's left shoulder disability, including his degenerative joint disease, was not caused by VA care and treatment. The surgery to stabilize the recurrent dislocations did not involve fault on VA's part nor failure to obtain informed consent.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that new and material evidence was not received to reopen his left shoulder disability claim. The Veteran's hearing loss and knee disabilities were also denied. His right shoulder disability was rated at 20 percent, and his skin and wrist conditions did not meet criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran did not have a current left shoulder disability or bilateral hearing loss at any time prior to his death, and thus service connection for these conditions cannot be established.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left and right shoulder strains are related to service, with reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability was granted an initial compensable evaluation, but the claim for service connection for sleep apnea was denied.

The Board has reopened the claims of service connection for a right shoulder and arm disability, a cervical spine disability, and a back disability. The Veteran's new evidence is sufficient to reopen these claims.

The Veteran's service connection claim for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine is granted, as it was incurred in active service.,Service connection is also granted for right C-7 radiculopathy, which is secondary to his now service-connected cervical spine disability.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the issues on appeal can be decided. The Veteran's service connection claims for lumbar spine, left shoulder, and bilateral knee disabilities are being remanded to allow for further examination and consideration.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims of service connection for right and left leg tarsal tunnel syndrome, effective July 27, 1992, and for bilateral subtalar varus, also effective July 27, 1992. The earliest evidence of these conditions dates back to his military service in 1970 and 1971.

The Board has granted the Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for right shoulder disability and has determined that new evidence received since the January 1993 rating decision supports a finding of service connection.,Service connection is also granted for right shoulder injury residuals, with reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and the need for an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's shoulder disability. The issues of service connection for degenerative arthritis, right shoulder, and compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for carpal tunnel syndrome in the right hand are pending.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board finds that his claim for TDIU is granted.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims due to outstanding VA treatment records and a need for additional examinations. The claims will be reconsidered after these issues are addressed.

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

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is rated at 20 percent, effective December 4, 2012.

The Board found no evidence of a current disability related to service for left foot pes planus, low back disability, or left shoulder disability. The Veteran's complaints and diagnoses were not linked to his military service.

The Board has determined that additional information is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including for his bilateral hearing loss and left shoulder disability. The case is therefore REMANDED.

The Veteran's adhesive capsulitis, right shoulder, with history of recurrent dislocation is currently rated at 40 percent. The Board finds no basis for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board finds that the reductions in the ratings for the service-connected right shoulder disability and right shoulder scar were proper. The Veteran's increased rating claims are denied as her conditions do not warrant a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's right and left shoulder disabilities have not met the criteria for a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.