Shoulder Board decisions

The Board found no clear and unmistakable error in the April 1946 rating decision that granted service connection for right shoulder synovitis, secondary to a chip fracture of the right humeral head. The Veteran's claim was denied as there was no CUE.

The Board has determined that additional VA examinations are needed for the Veteran's right shoulder and lumbar spine disabilities, as well as to determine the etiology of his current right ankle disability. The case is being remanded for these purposes.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and prostatitis, have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation since December 1, 2008. The Board has determined that the effective date for TDIU should be December 1, 2008.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability of the fingers or right shoulder, and there is no evidence linking these disabilities to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral ankle disability, finding that the Veteran's current right ankle lateral collateral ligament sprain (chronic/recurrent) is not related to his active duty service.,Service connection was also denied for a bilateral shoulder disability. The VA examiner concluded that DJD of the right shoulder is less likely than not related to any in-service event or injury, and there is no evidence of left shoulder condition during service.,The Board found that the Veteran's current nerve irritation manifested as left shoulder pain is proximately due to his service-connected cervical spine disability. Therefore, service connection for a pulmonary disability was granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's left shoulder disability, diagnosed as rotator cuff tendonitis, was not present in service and is unrelated to an injury or event during service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain medical records and provide the Veteran with a VA examination regarding his claimed left shoulder condition, right shoulder condition, hemorrhoids, COPD, and sleep apnea.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and right shoulder disability are related to his military service. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations and additional medical records. The right shoulder disability rating issue remains under review, as does the 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 claim for diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied across multiple conditions, including right and left shoulder disabilities, cervical spine IVDS, lumbar spine IVDS, upper extremity radiculopathy, plantar fasciitis, and headaches. The VA determined that the evidence did not support a higher rating for any of these conditions.

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

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left shoulder disability, including impingement syndrome and a rotator cuff tear, did not manifest within one year of service and is not linked to her active duty service. The claim for right knee DJD was withdrawn by the Veteran prior to decision.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right shoulder disability due to the need for a hearing before a third Veterans Law Judge.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that his herpes simplex did not meet criteria for a compensable rating due to constant or near-constant treatment. The VA examiner concluded that his hearing loss does not qualify as a disability under VA regulations. Service connection was also denied for depression, left shoulder arthritis, and bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has granted a 10% rating for hypertension and restored the 50% rating for headaches. The claim for increased rating of low back strain with degenerative disc disease and sacroiliac joint osteoarthritis is denied. TDIU remains pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder disorder and left wrist fracture, status post distal radius osteotomy have been denied as there is no evidence to support a direct relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current diagnoses of bilateral hand arthritis or bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, and thus cannot establish service connection for these conditions. The claim for right shoulder tendonitis is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability.

The Veteran's left shoulder and lumbar spine disabilities are not service-connected as they were caused by his own medical condition, specifically the June 2007 cardiac event. The VA treatment did not cause these additional disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Board hearing at the RO.

The Board has determined that the evidence does not support a finding of a current left shoulder disability, and thus service connection for this condition cannot be granted. The right shoulder and left hip claims are also pending.