Shoulder Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and gunshot wounds of the right shoulder and arm, along with his alcohol dependence, contributed to his cause of death from metabolic encephalopathy due to methanol intoxication.

The Board denied service connection for left hip and right shoulder disabilities, finding that the Veteran's current conditions were not caused or aggravated by his service-connected knee and ankle disabilities. The right shoulder disability was granted on a secondary basis.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development and examination of the Veteran's claims, including for a psychiatric evaluation, orthopedic evaluations, and an audiological examination.

The Veteran's appeal for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for left shoulder arthritis has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and to schedule him for VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed left shoulder disorder, bilateral foot disorder, and chronic pain disorder.

The Veteran seeks service connection for various disabilities, including a cervical spine disorder and its secondary effects. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate these claims.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU was denied as his service-connected disabilities did not meet the criteria under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(a). The case is now remanded to consider entitlement to a TDIU on an extraschedular basis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left shoulder and right knee conditions are service-connected, with all reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, finding that it first manifested during active service. The Veteran's other claims of service connection are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Veteran's claim of compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for damaged or torn left shoulder rotator cuff due to surgical removal of a portion of the left lung is dismissed as moot because service connection was granted for this condition in a November 2015 rating decision.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and determined that the Veteran is unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities, leading to a grant of TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple conditions including knee and hip arthritis, neck pain, and shoulder issues. The Board has determined that new examinations are necessary to accurately assess the severity of these conditions.

The Veteran's service was not considered eligible for Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits due to his discharge being an entry level separation and not a dishonorable discharge, nor did he meet the 30-day active duty requirement.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's in-service duties as a wheeled vehicle mechanic likely caused or contributed to his current bilateral shoulder disabilities, and thus grants service connection for right shoulder disability and left shoulder disability.

The Veteran's right shoulder impingement syndrome is currently rated at 40 percent, effective October 27, 2014. The Board finds that the evidence supports a grant of an increased rating to 40 percent for this period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is related to his active service, and thus grants service connection for this condition. The right shoulder disability claim remains pending as a new examination was ordered.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including consideration of new evidence and confirmation of SSA disability benefits status.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal of the denial of an extension of a total evaluation based on convalescence for surgery for his service-connected left shoulder disability during the April 2015 hearing. As such, this issue is dismissed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder disorder, specifically a right rotator cuff strain, is at least as likely as not caused by or incurred in military service. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's bilateral shoulder disabilities, including impingement syndrome and AC joint arthrosis, are currently rated at 20 percent for the left shoulder and 30 percent for the right shoulder. Effective February 23, 2016, the ratings have been increased to 40 percent for the right shoulder and 30 percent for the left shoulder.