Shoulder Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for C5-6 herniated disc, right shoulder dislocation and left upper extremity radiculopathy has been withdrawn by the appellant.

The Veteran's right shoulder arthritis is rated at 10% since July 20, 2013. The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms have not more nearly approximated the criteria for a higher rating during other periods on appeal.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is secondary to his service-connected allergic rhinitis. The Board has granted this claim.

The Board denied service connection for a disorder manifested by pain in the shoulders, wrists, and knees (arthritis), as well as stomach disorder and scar on the head. The evidence did not establish that these conditions were incurred during or related to active duty.,Service records from active duty do not show any complaints, treatment, or diagnosis of arthritis or chronic joint problems, stomach disorders, or a surgical scar on the head.

The Board has determined that service connection is not warranted for any of the claimed conditions, as there is no credible evidence linking them to service or any incident therein.

The Board has reopened the claims for PTSD, hypertension, and right shoulder disability. The Veteran's current conditions are presumed to be related to service due to their onset within one year of discharge.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his left shoulder disability was denied, and the case is being remanded to the AOJ. The Veteran's service connection claims for a right shoulder disability and neuropathy of the left ulnar nerve are also pending.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his left shoulder disability is granted effective from July 3, 1997. The case is also remanded to schedule the Veteran for a Board hearing on his claims of earlier effective dates and service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and a need for an examination of the Veteran's right shoulder. The appeal is now pending again with the VA.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left shoulder disability is not related to his active service and has denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of right labrum tear with old shoulder dislocation, biceps tendonitis, and inflammatory changes and lumbar herniated nucleus pulposus at L5-S1.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is currently rated as 10 percent disabling. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on functional loss or impairment, and denied his claim for an increased rating.

The Veteran's service-connected left shoulder disability has been evaluated at a 20 percent rating since February 1, 2009. The medical evidence does not show that the condition more nearly approximates ankylosis or other criteria warranting a higher rating.

The Veteran does not have current diagnoses of acne vulgaris, bilateral shoulder disorder, clavicle disorder, or bilateral knee disorder. The Board finds that service connection is denied for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the appellant's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, right shoulder disorder, cervical spine (neck) disorder, headaches, and lumbar spine (low back) disorder have been withdrawn. The claim for a low back disorder was denied as there is no evidence of arthritis manifest to 10% within one year of separation from active duty.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination. The Veteran's claim will be readjudicated based on all evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the inadequacy of the August 2010 VA examination, which did not address the extent of his right shoulder disability during flare-ups. The case will be returned for an appropriate examination and readjudication.

The Veteran's service-connected left shoulder tendonitis renders him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, effective January 1, 2000.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left shoulder disability and TDIU as there was no competent evidence linking his current disabilities to his active service or service-connected conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, a right shoulder disorder, diabetes mellitus secondary to Agent Orange exposure, and hypertension secondary to diabetes mellitus. The appeal was also dismissed due to the appellant withdrawing his application to reopen the claim of service connection for a rib disorder.