Shoulder Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed disabilities are not related to service or service-connected conditions, and thus denied all claims for service connection.

The Veteran's right middle finger disability is rated at the maximum available evaluation (10%). The Board found no evidence of ankylosis or moderate paralysis, and thus a higher rating for his right middle finger disability is not warranted. For his left shoulder disability, the Board noted that there was no indication of chronicity within one year following service separation, and therefore presumptive service connection cannot be established. Service connection for the left shoulder disability is denied.

The Veteran's claim for a left shoulder disability was reopened and granted, with the right shoulder disability rated at 30 percent. The issues of service connection and increased rating were both resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine myositis, bilateral shoulder tendinitis, and bilateral ankle arthritis. However, the VA examiner concluded that these conditions are less likely than not related to his service-connected lumbosacral strain.

The Board has granted service connection for right shoulder and lumbar spine disabilities, finding that the current conditions are related to in-service injuries.,The Veteran's right shoulder disability is linked to a dislocated shoulder during deployment, while his lumbar spine disability is attributed to chronic sprain/strain with no evidence of scoliosis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is not entitled to an effective date earlier than November 30, 2012 for the grant of service connection for status post left shoulder dislocation with osteoarthritis.

The Board has granted service connection for a back disorder, but denied service connection for hearing loss of the right ear and right shoulder disorder. The claim for reopening the right shoulder disorder was also granted.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for PTSD and bilateral shoulder disabilities. This includes verifying any claimed stressor events, obtaining medical opinions regarding the nature of his psychiatric conditions, and determining whether his current shoulder disabilities are related to service.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is found to be related to service, and his right shoulder disability does not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional medical records. The right shoulder disability may have worsened since his last examination, and further evaluation is needed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and a VA examination to assess the severity of his GERD symptoms.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current respiratory disability and denied his claim for service connection. The issue of bilateral shoulder disability is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected left shoulder disability renders him unemployable prior to October 24, 2012.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have not resulted in any new diagnoses or conditions that would warrant increased ratings. The right and left wrist carpal tunnel syndromes are resolved, as is the lumbar spine disability. The cervical spine disability remains not service connected.,No current evidence of radiculopathy or hearing loss has been found.

The Veteran's service-connected genital herpes was granted a disability rating of 60 percent effective February 23, 2010. The other claims were denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including new VA examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected right shoulder and bilateral shin splint disabilities. The claim will be reconsidered after this additional development.

The Veteran's right shoulder injury is currently rated at 20 percent, which corresponds to limitation of motion to shoulder level. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating as there is no functional equivalent of limitation of motion midway between the side and shoulder level.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including VA examinations and a medical opinion regarding his service-connected disabilities and any acquired psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's lumbar spine osteoarthritis with mild scoliosis is rated at 10 percent, effective from the date of the decision. The right lower extremity radiculopathy due to this condition is also rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development to ensure a complete record upon which to decide his claims. This includes obtaining VA treatment records, scheduling examinations, and considering the evidence in the electronic claims file.