Shoulder Board decisions

The Veteran's initial compensable disability ratings for right and left shoulder strain were granted prior to September 21, 2011. Ratings in excess of 10 percent are not warranted at any time over the appeals period.

The Veteran's left shoulder disorder was granted a 20 percent evaluation effective May 19, 2015. Prior to this date, the disability had been rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's current cervical spine degenerative disc disease/degenerative joint disease is found to be etiologically related to his combat service in Vietnam. The right and left shoulder disorders are pending as the VA examination has not yet been conducted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating or service connection.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability and bilateral hearing loss are service-connected, with the right shoulder disability being granted on a direct basis due to in-service injury. The effective date for these conditions is not specified.

The Veteran's right ankle disability is rated at 20 percent, effective September 22, 2009. The rating for his right knee disability remains at 10 percent. His right ankle surgical scars are rated as compensable (10 percent) since April 14, 2014. A noncompensable rating is assigned for his left ankle disability and a 10 percent rating is assigned for his bilateral hydroceles/varicoceles.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection and TDIU. The case is being remanded to obtain relevant medical records, including from a chiropractor in Cornell, Wisconsin, and any workers' compensation records.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability has been rated at 10 percent since October 7, 2010. The Board granted a 20 percent rating for the right shoulder disability effective from October 7, 2010.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left shoulder disorder is not related to his military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU have been denied. The right shoulder disability is rated at 30 percent, while hypesthesia on the right side of the face is rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's claim for an annual clothing allowance was denied as the evidence did not show that his service-connected disabilities required a prosthetic or orthopedic appliance to be worn or used which tended to wear out his clothing, or that he used medication due to a service-connected disability that caused irreparable damage to his outer garments.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and opinion regarding whether the Veteran's right shoulder disability was aggravated by service. The claim is being returned for further review.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of a right shoulder disorder and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied. The claim for service connection for a low back disorder is remanded to obtain an addendum opinion from the July 2011 VA examiner.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed disabilities are not service-connected and denied his claims.

The Board found that the Veteran's current right shoulder disability was not incurred or aggravated in active service and may not be presumed to be service-connected.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for various conditions, including hypertension, psychiatric disorders, lung issues, head trauma, sleep apnea, headaches, and several other conditions. The Board has remanded the case due to a request for a videoconference hearing.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and schedule a Travel Board hearing.

The Veteran's request for an extension of a temporary total rating beyond January 31, 2011 for convalescence following right shoulder surgery was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not demonstrate doctor-mandated convalescence or severe postoperative residuals beyond January 31, 2011.

The Veteran's appeal is for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD from January 30, 2008 to July 18, 2012. The Board has granted a 10% disability rating for the right shoulder surgical scar from January 21, 2011 to December 30, 2014.

The Board found that the Veteran's left shoulder disability, rated at 20 percent under Diagnostic Code 5201, does not warrant a higher rating as it does not meet the criteria for an increased rating.