Shoulder Board decisions

The Veteran's right shoulder disability, including a fracture and degenerative joint disease, has been rated at 30 percent since June 2, 2011. The Board finds that the evidence supports this rating as it indicates limitation of motion to midway between side and shoulder level.

The Veteran has withdrawn their appeals for the issues of service connection for a right hand disability, service connection for a right wrist disability, and a rating for right shoulder acromioclavicular arthritis in excess of 10 percent prior to August 29, 2014, and in excess of 30 percent thereafter.

The Board has found that further development is needed for VA to fulfill its duties under the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA). The Veteran's claim will be remanded for obtaining relevant records from SSA, VA, and private providers.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, a left shoulder disorder, and major depressive disorder. The decision found that there was no evidence of a current disability related to service or any presumptive conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee arthritis and chronic right shoulder strain, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his active duty service.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral shoulder condition, residuals status post fracture of the 3rd metatarsal shaft of the right foot, and residuals status post injury or stress fractures of the left mid foot. The Veteran's claims were not granted as she did not have current disabilities during the pendency of her claim.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a right shoulder disability due to new evidence received since the last denial. The left shoulder disability claim remains pending.

The Veteran's right knee disability, characterized as chondromalacia and meniscus tear, is found to be secondary to his service-connected left knee condition. The Board has granted a rating of 10% for the Veteran's right knee disability.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as it is linked to MST, a personal assault during service.,New and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims for left shoulder disorder and low back disorder.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the issue of entitlement to a temporary total convalescence rating under 38 C.F.R. § 4.30 for a left shoulder disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations to assess the current severity of his service-connected shoulder and elbow disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to evaluate the current severity of his service-connected right knee and right shoulder disabilities. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder disability did not warrant an earlier effective date than March 4, 2013, for a 20 percent evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for a bilateral shoulder condition and left knee condition have been denied as there is insufficient evidence of in-service injury or treatment.,The Veteran's claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include depression has been denied as there is insufficient evidence of in-service injury or treatment.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is rated as a 10 percent evaluation, but no higher. The rating is based on mild arthritis in the joint and limitation of motion.

The Board has granted service connection for a right shoulder disability, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, and a disability of the bilateral upper extremity manifested by numbness (diagnosed as epicondylitis).

The Veteran's claim for various equipment purchases/home modifications under the vocational rehabilitation independent living plan is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and updated independent living assessment.

The Board has granted service connection for left shoulder disability, tinnitus, and denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's left shoulder disability is found to have been incurred in service due to a pre-existing injury that was aggravated by service. Tinnitus is presumed to be related to noise exposure during service. Hearing loss does not meet the VA criteria for a current disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea and left shoulder disability were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The Veteran's sleep apnea is more likely related to post-service weight gain, while his left shoulder disability was treated during service but no longer manifests symptoms.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right hip disability and a left shoulder disability, finding that there is no evidence of a current disability or a link to service.