Shoulder Board decisions

The Veteran's appeals to reopen claims of service connection for low back, right shoulder, and left knee disabilities have been withdrawn by his representative. The claim seeking an increased rating for PTSD has been remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA medical opinion to determine if the Veteran's service-connected disabilities contributed substantially or materially to his death, and whether his suicide was related to his severe chronic pain.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disorder, headaches, left shoulder disorder, left arm disorder, and chest pain are all related to his military service. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board has reviewed the evidence and finds that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen any of the Veteran's service connection claims for his right femur, left wrist (radius), or left shoulder disabilities. The existing evidence does not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate these claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for muscle arthralgia/pain, left shoulder strain, and low back strain are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development and review of new evidence, including a medical report from a private physician.

The Board found that the Veteran's current left shoulder impingement is not related to his military service, including his period of active duty training (ADT) in February 1988. The evidence does not support a finding that the condition was incurred or aggravated during service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current neck and shoulder disabilities are not related to his active service, and therefore denied his claims for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed disabilities were not incurred or aggravated by service and denied his claims.

The Veteran's appeals have been withdrawn. The claims for service connection for asbestos exposure, a left knee disability, and the reopening of service connection for blurred vision, bronchitis, right tibial stress injury, and hearing loss of the right ear are dismissed.

The Veteran's left shoulder osteoarthritis is rated at 20 percent, effective from November 2, 2007 to the present. The residuals of his right inguinal hernia repair with testicular pain are also rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD is found as likely as not due to a verified in-service stressor of physical assault, and service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain medical records, determine the etiology of his disabilities, and consider his claim for a TDIU.

The Veteran's left and right shoulder subluxations are rated at the maximum available rating of 40 percent each, based on limitation of motion. The appeal is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining an examination and addendum opinions to address the relationship between his service-connected right shoulder disorder and his left shoulder degenerative joint disease and cervical spine degenerative arthritis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including tension headaches and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD), have been denied due to a lack of credible supporting evidence for the claimed in-service stressors.

The Board found no evidence of a current disability or in-service injury that would support service connection for the Veteran's bilateral shoulder, elbow, and back disabilities. The claims were denied as there was insufficient medical evidence to establish a link between any present condition and service.

The Board has granted service connection for a right shoulder disability and denied service connection for a left varicocele.

The Board has granted service connection for arthritis of the right arm, knee, and shoulder. The Veteran's current conditions are deemed to be related to his in-service injuries.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD had its onset in service and is therefore granted as a result of direct service connection.