Shoulder Board decisions

The Board denied service connection for back, left shoulder, and left lower extremity disabilities due to a lack of evidence showing onset in or causation by military service.

The Board is remanding the case to obtain an addendum from a VA examiner who conducted the July 2014 examination and opinion, in order to provide guidance as to whether the Veteran's left shoulder disorder was caused or aggravated by his service-connected right shoulder disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for his cervical spine condition or shoulder condition, and also noted that there was no evidence of very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.

The Board found that the Veteran's current left shoulder disability did not manifest during or as a result of active military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's left shoulder muscle injury and associated musculoskeletal disability have been rated at 20 percent since the appeal period began, with a separate rating of 20 percent for the musculoskeletal disability. The current ratings are based on limitation of motion of the arm.

The Veteran's MRSA is found to be at least as likely as not related to service, and the claim for service connection is granted. The remaining issues are remanded for further development.

The Board found that the Veteran's right shoulder disorder did not manifest during service and is not otherwise related to his military service, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for all remaining issues, including those related to service connection and rating determinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left knee disability is related to his service-connected right knee disability and thus grants service connection for this condition. The issue of whether the Veteran's right shoulder disabilities are secondary to in-service activities remains under consideration.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back (thoracolumbar spine) disability and a right shoulder disability, finding that there is no evidence of an in-service injury or disease related to these conditions, and that any current disabilities are not related to his service or service-connected neck disability.

The Veteran's combined disability rating is 80 percent, which meets the percentage requirements for a TDIU. However, his service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following all substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and occupational experience.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for recurrent left shoulder dislocations and right rotator cuff tear. The issues of service connection for these conditions are now to be adjudicated on their merits.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show objective symptoms warranting a rating in excess of 50 percent for his acquired psychiatric disorder, nor did it show other deficiencies in most areas such as work, school, family relationships, judgment, thinking or mood.

The Veteran's hypertension was shown in service and is currently present, meeting the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of his left shoulder disability and the nature and etiology of any diagnosed bilateral hand and wrist disabilities.

The Veteran's right shoulder tendonitis and muscle strain were found to have been incurred in active military service. The TMJ disability was granted a 30 percent rating, which is the highest schedular rating available for limited inter-incisal range of motion. The erectile dysfunction claim was withdrawn by the appellant.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including verification of duty status during a May 1994 accident and obtaining all relevant medical records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder disability is incurred during active duty service, and thus grants service connection for this condition. However, the left eye disability is not related to service and therefore denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional examinations and consideration of a 1151 claim, as well as reconsideration of TDIU.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals on the claims for service connection for tinnitus/ear ringing, mid and low back pain, left shoulder pain, right hip pain, and a heart condition prior to the Board's decision.