Shoulder Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and cervical spine disability, finding that these conditions were caused or aggravated by events in service. The claim for a shoulder disability is remanded due to incomplete records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disorder is secondary to his service-connected left lower extremity radiculopathy disability. However, there is no current diagnosis of upper extremity radiculopathy and the right shoulder disorder is not related to service or a service-connected condition.

The Board has determined that an effective date prior to May 13, 2009 for the grant of service connection for diabetes mellitus type II is denied. The Veteran's high cholesterol was not found to be a disability for which service connection may be granted.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability was rated at 10 percent from September 11, 2009 to July 20, 2011 and at 20 percent thereafter. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher initial rating for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and SSA records.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal on all issues currently before the Board, and thus there are no remaining questions of fact or law to be decided.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder disability warrants a 30 percent evaluation under Diagnostic Code 5202, reflecting recurrent dislocation of the humerus with frequent episodes and guarding of all arm movements.

The Veteran's combined rating for all service-connected disabilities is 80 percent, meeting the threshold criteria for a TDIU. The Board finds that he is unable to secure and follow substantially gainful occupation due solely to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, diabetes mellitus type II, bilateral vision loss, a psychiatric disability (anxiety disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder), chronic headaches, sleep apnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, arthritis of the right shoulder, arthritis of the left shoulder, low back disability, right hip disability, left hip disability, arthritis of the right knee, arthritis of the left knee, right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy have been denied. The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss has also been denied.

The Veteran's hypertension was granted an initial evaluation of 10 percent effective January 2, 2008.,Service connection for sinusitis and left shoulder bursitis has been established. Service connection for multiple sclerosis is also established.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his service-connected disabilities, including left foot paresthesias, exostosis of the left ankle, right shoulder capsulitis with nonunion fracture of the acromion and surgical scar, and left ankle scar. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a brain tumor - right bifrontal meningioma has been reopened due to new evidence submitted since his last final denial in 2013.

The Veteran withdrew her appeal, requesting that all issues be dropped.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates have been denied as the earliest date of receipt of a claim is not prior to the assigned effective dates.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical strain first manifested in active service and is related to his military service, granting service connection for this condition. The issue of service connection for a left shoulder disability remains pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, or a bilateral eye disability. The claims are therefore denied.

The Board has scheduled the Veteran's requested Travel Board hearing at the local RO in Salt Lake City, Utah. The appeal is being remanded due to scheduling conflicts.

The Veteran's service connection claims for a left shoulder disability, elevated blood sugar (including diabetes mellitus), hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, and peripheral neuropathy are granted on the basis of presumptive exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam. The effective date is not specified.

The Board has ordered additional evidentiary development for the Veteran's left shoulder, arm, and forearm claims. The case is being remanded to allow for this development.

The Board found that the Veteran's left shoulder disorder, including arthritis and sarcoidosis, is not service connected as it did not manifest during or within one year after his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination and development, requiring another VA examination and review of records.