Shoulder Board decisions

The Veteran is seeking an earlier effective date for separate compensable ratings for painful scars of the right shoulder, right flank, right iliac crest, and bilateral knees. The case has been remanded to obtain additional medical records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's timely Substantive Appeal was submitted in response to the April 2009 SOC regarding his claims for service connection for a back condition (upper and lower), a neck condition, and arthritis of the knees, back, arms, and shoulders. The case is REMANDED to schedule the Veteran for a Board travel board hearing on these issues.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability, which was previously rated at 10 percent from December 1, 2010, is now rated at 20 percent effective December 27, 2013. The rating reflects limitation of arm motion to shoulder level.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his right shoulder disability was denied in March 2011, and no new or material evidence was received within one year of that decision. The effective date for the current 20% rating is October 24, 2012.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral shoulder and low back disabilities, finding that there was no evidence of a chronic disability related to active service or service-connected foot tendonitis.

The Board found that the Veteran's right shoulder disorder was not incurred in service and is not related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from being able to avoid the hazards or dangers incident to his daily environment without assistance, warranting special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability, characterized by limited abduction to at worst 135 degrees and painful motion, is currently rated as 10 percent disabling since June 27, 2011. The condition does not meet criteria for higher ratings based on ankylosis or other specific diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's right wrist/hand and lumbar spine disabilities are granted as secondary to her service-connected right shoulder bursitis and left knee/foot disabilities, respectively. She is currently rated at 30% for the right shoulder disability.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, scheduling a VA examination, and clarifying whether the appellant continues to receive treatment at Madigan Army Medical Center.

The Board denied the Veteran's original claim for service connection for DJD of the left shoulder in February 2011. New evidence received since then does not provide new and material information to support the claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new examination to address the nature and etiology of his claimed back, neck, and shoulder disabilities.

The Board has found that the Veteran's current left shoulder disability of osteoarthritis is presumed to have arisen from his in-service injury, and service connection is granted.

The Veteran's left shoulder, right ankle, and left ankle disabilities have been granted increased initial ratings of 10% each since February 6, 2008.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder disorder is not related to service, and his claim for low back disorder was denied due to lack of a current disability. The reopened claim will be remanded for further development.

The Veteran's left shoulder osteoarthritis is found to have started during service and continues today, granting service connection.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an adequate medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's right shoulder disability, including whether it is related to service or his service-connected right wrist and elbow disabilities.

The Board found no evidence of a current disability related to the Veteran's claimed shoulder pain and concluded that these claims must be denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a VA examination to assess his left shoulder disability. The issue of entitlement to TDIU has also been raised.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability was manifested by pain with full range of motion from August 28, 2002 to December 1, 2002. No higher rating is warranted as there was no evidence of ankylosis or loss of strength.