Shoulder Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, high cholesterol, right shoulder tendonitis, left shoulder tendonitis, chronic ear infections, dental issues, and allergic rhinitis (claimed as sinus issues) due to herbicide exposure is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II, is granted. The Board has also granted service connection for degenerative joint disease of the left shoulder and lumbar spine with compression fracture of the thoracic spine, as well as right great toe joint replacement, status post degenerative joint disease. An initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for each condition is not warranted.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and right shoulder glenohumeral joint osteoarthritis based on direct service connection. The Veteran's current disabilities are related to his active service.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back, bilateral ankle, and right shoulder disabilities did not manifest during service or are otherwise directly related to her service. The preponderance of evidence is against a finding that these conditions were caused by or aggravated by her service-connected bilateral knee disabilities.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to ensure the Veteran receives proper notice and assistance in connection with his claims, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling him for a VA examination. The appeal will be remanded for these purposes.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for low back and right shoulder disabilities were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for either condition.

The Board finds that the Veteran has a chronic right shoulder disability that became manifest in service and has persisted, granting service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's current right shoulder and right knee conditions are found to be related to his military service.,The Veteran has been diagnosed with sleep apnea, which is presumed to have developed during his active duty.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the veteran's right shoulder and bilateral knee disabilities, as well as whether they are related to service or reserve duty. The case is being remanded for further action.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current cervical spine, right knee, left knee, left shoulder, and right hip disabilities are at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by altered body mechanics related to her service-connected residuals of a stress fracture of the left inferior pubis ramus.

The Board has reopened several service connection claims and granted them, with some issues receiving staged ratings. The effective date for the award of PTSD is set at April 9, 2007.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating and service connection for left shoulder disability, right knee disability, and left knee disability are being remanded due to procedural issues.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral shoulder disorder, including strain and arthritis, is not etiologically related to his service or a service-connected disability.

The Board has decided that a VA examination is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's right shoulder condition and whether it is related to his service-connected left shoulder disability. The case will be remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a disability manifested by breathing difficulty, bilateral shoulder disabilities, and an upper back disability has been granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder disability, sinusitis, and bilateral hearing loss are service-connected. However, his claim for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no evidence of a current hearing loss disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left shoulder recurrent dislocation is related to his in-service left shoulder dislocation, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for the issuance of a Statement of the Case on all issues related to his claims, including an increased rating for athlete's foot and reopening previously denied claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the Buffalo, VAMC for further clarification regarding his claim of entitlement to a clothing allowance. The issue will be reconsidered in light of new medical evidence and specific identification of outer garments damaged by prescribed medications.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to assess the severity of the Veteran's left shoulder condition, including range of motion and functional loss due to pain or other factors. The rating assigned will be determined based on the results of this examination.