Shoulder Board decisions

The Board found no evidence of a current left shoulder disability and concluded that the Veteran's reported symptoms are related to his service-connected cervical spine condition, thus denying the claim for service connection.

The Board has found that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus was not incurred or aggravated during his active duty service, and thus denied this claim. The issue of entitlement to service connection for a left shoulder disability is being remanded due to outstanding medical records.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is being remanded for additional development as the initial examination was inadequate and there are conflicting medical opinions regarding its etiology.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diagnosed conditions, including his claimed lumbar and cervical spine disorders, bilateral hand and shoulder conditions, bilateral knee and hip disorders, are at least as likely as not related to service. The appeal is granted.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and basal cell carcinoma of the left shoulder. Service connection is granted for both conditions as due to herbicide exposure.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inadequate opinions regarding service connection for hypertension and bilateral shoulder disability.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if any left shoulder disability is related to service or service-connected cervical spine strain.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left shoulder disability is etiologically related to his active duty service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The appeal has been dismissed as the appellant withdrew their appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran was granted service connection for neurodermatitis of the right shoulder, which he claims is due to mosquito bites during service. The VA examiner found that this condition is related to his in-service exposure.,Service connection was denied for low back strain with mild degenerative disc disease as there is no evidence linking it to service.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral shoulder disability and a neck disability on the merits.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability has been rated at 20 percent since December 9, 2005. The Board finds that the current rating of 20 percent is appropriate given the Veteran's range of motion measurements and does not warrant a higher rating.

The Board has determined that it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran's right shoulder acromioclavicular arthritis and tendonitis are aggravated by his left shoulder injury, status post distal clavicle resection with degenerative joint disease. As such, secondary service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Veteran's complaints of joint and muscle pain have been diagnosed as arthritis of the right shoulder, right knee, and left foot. These conditions did not manifest in service or within one year of discharge from service, and has not been related by competent evidence to his active duty service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service treatment and personnel records from Reserve service and scheduling a VA examination to determine if any cervical spine, left shoulder, or thoracic spine disability is related to Reserve service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and injuries from gunshot wounds to his left thigh and shoulder, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has determined that a total disability rating based on individual unemployability is warranted.

The Veteran's right shoulder bursitis is currently rated at 10 percent, effective February 9, 2005. The Board found that the Veteran does not meet criteria for a higher rating based on limitation of motion.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, right shoulder disability, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder were denied. The claim for a compensable rating for residuals of a right fourth metacarpal fracture was also denied. Service connection was granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include major depressive disorder and an adjustment disorder).

The Board has granted service connection for neck and back disabilities, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether these conditions are related to military service. The remaining claims have been remanded for additional development.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back disability was not incurred in service and denied his claims for service connection. The hip, shoulder, and foot drop disabilities were also denied as secondary to a pre-existing low back disability.