Shoulder Board decisions

The Veteran's right shoulder disability was rated at 20 percent prior to January 19, 2011 and increased to 30 percent thereafter. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating than 20 percent prior to January 19, 2011 or 30 percent thereafter.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability, diagnosed as left shoulder dislocation residuals, is service-connected.,The Veteran's skin disability, diagnosed as sebaceous cysts, is service-connected.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right and left shoulder disabilities do not warrant a rating higher than 10 percent, and his left knee disability does not warrant a rating higher than 10 percent. The appeals are therefore denied.

The Board has granted service connection for right hip disability, hearing loss, and tinnitus with an effective date of December 3, 2009. The Veteran's claims for other disabilities are denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities of right foot, right shoulder, and lumbar spine arthritis have been granted. The Board found that the evidence is at least in relative equipoise as to whether his current disability was caused by a motorcycle accident during active duty service.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for service connection for a back disability, an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, and an increased rating for right shoulder osteoarthritis. The issue of entitlement to TDIU prior to June 13, 2011 remains on appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back, cervical spine, and bilateral shoulder disabilities are secondary to his service-connected bilateral foot disability.

The Board has determined that the case is in a posture such that the Veteran's claim may be addressed on its merits and has been remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's right shoulder strain is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board found that a higher rating was not warranted based on the evidence of record.,The Veteran's TDIU has been granted effective April 13, 2009. The Board also determined that an earlier effective date prior to January 13, 2011, is appropriate.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a new examination. The Veteran's nerve disability is currently rated at 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral shoulder impingement syndrome was not incurred during her military service and is not related to any in-service injury or event. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that the current disability is linked to service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lumbar spine and right shoulder disorders were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 20 percent for either condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional examinations and for the issuance of a Statement of the Case addressing service connection for a left shoulder disability and increased ratings for his right and left knee disabilities.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the Veteran's ability to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to her service-connected disabilities. The appeal will be remanded for this purpose.

The Board found that there is no current diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis and denied the Veteran's claim for service connection. The issue of entitlement to service connection for a left shoulder disability was remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as his claimed conditions are not related to his military service or any presumptive exposure. The VA examinations and medical records do not provide sufficient evidence to establish a direct link between the current diagnoses and service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for several conditions, including right arm and shoulder disabilities. The claim to reopen service connection for a right knee disability was denied as new and material evidence has not been received.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his left shoulder condition is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and consideration of Diagnostic Code 5203.