Shoulder Board decisions

The Board has determined that further development is required due to missing treatment records and a need for a VA examination. The Veteran's right shoulder disability, including osteoarthritis and rotator cuff syndrome, will be evaluated based on the available evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus, left knee degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis), and patellar chondromalacia of the left knee are all service-connected. The neurological disorder of the left shoulder is not service-connected.

The Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for a right shoulder disability, lower back disability, bilateral ankle disability, IBS with residuals of a parasite infection, and headaches have already been granted by the AMC.

The Veteran's appeal regarding the right shoulder disability has been rendered moot due to the grant of service connection for a right trapezius strain. The issue of neck disability is being remanded as it was not addressed in the original decision.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability, including bursitis, SLAP tear, and long head of biceps tendonitis, has been rated at 20 percent since the initial rating period. The Board finds that his symptoms have not significantly worsened beyond what is already reflected in the current rating.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to clarify whether any current left shoulder disability is related to service or due to or aggravated by a service-connected right ankle disability, including considering the Veteran's December 2007 accident.

The Veteran's service connection claim for disability due to undiagnosed illness and medically unexplained chronic multisymptom illnesses, including CFS and joint and muscle pain, was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or a link between the claimed conditions and his military service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain private treatment records and to provide a medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's claimed disabilities. The appeal will be remanded for these purposes.

The case is being remanded to schedule VA examinations and address the Veteran's claims for service connection, increased rating, and scar rating.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the right shoulder and finds that the Veteran's current back disability is less likely than not related to his military service. The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left ankle arthritis and plantar fasciitis of the left foot are remanded due to inadequate examination reports.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatic steatosis due to contaminated water exposure at Camp Lejeune was denied. The VA examiner found no causal relationship between the Veteran's current liver condition and his in-service exposure.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining a new VA examination for his left knee disability and issuing supplemental statements of the case addressing all issues on appeal.

The Veteran's right and left shoulder disabilities have been rated at 20 percent each, effective May 7, 2005. The Board has determined that the current ratings are not in accordance with the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has ordered additional development of the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a right shoulder disability due to outstanding VA treatment records, in-service psychiatric records, and further examination.

The Veteran's cervical spine intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative arthritis is granted service connection. An initial 20 percent rating is granted for residuals of a testicle injury beginning May 13, 2014. The Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities and bilateral shoulder injuries are remanded for additional examination.

The Veteran's left shoulder disorder is found to be incurred during service, and he is granted service connection for a disorder of the left shoulder.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, IHD, plantar warts, lumbar and cervical spine DJD, hip and shoulder DJD, preclude him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for the Veteran's left shoulder disability, effective July 21, 2014. The appeal is denied prior to that date.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities meet the schedular rating requirement for assignment of a TDIU and he is reasonably shown to be unable to secure or follow a substantial gainful occupation as a result of these disabilities. The claim for increase in left shoulder disability remains pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral shoulder disability is not etiologically related to his military service and therefore, denied his claim for service connection.