Shoulder Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance was denied as he is not in need of regular aid and attendance by another individual.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his left shoulder and right knee disabilities were denied by the Board. The Court vacated part of the decision, remanding those matters to the Board.

The Board has remanded the case for a new examination to determine the nature and likely etiology of the Veteran's right shoulder disability, including considering the August 2008 VA x-ray impression. The current right shoulder disabilities are being considered on their own merits rather than service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type I, and left shoulder brachial neuritis do not warrant higher ratings under the applicable rating criteria.

The Veteran's tinnitus and environmental allergies are found to be service-connected. The Board also finds that the Veteran has shoulder, cervical spine, and sinus disorders that are at least as likely as not related to his military service.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for right shoulder tendonitis and a right wrist disability. The Board has determined that the appeal involves issues related to service connection, which falls under the 'direct' theory of service connection.,The Veteran's claims have not been fully adjudicated as there are no specific ratings or decisions provided in the decision summary.

The Board denied extensions of temporary total evaluations for left knee surgery and increased disability ratings for the Veteran's knee disabilities. The Veteran was granted separate disability ratings for right knee subluxation, but his request to increase his rating for left shoulder degenerative osteoarthritis was withdrawn.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, when analyzed as a whole, prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation during the entire appeal period.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, right shoulder disability, neck disability, upper back disability, tinnitus, and PTSD were denied. The effective dates for the grants of service connection for PTSD and low back disability are not earlier than May 6, 2009, and September 22, 2009 respectively.

The Veteran's parasomnia was found to have its onset in service and is granted service connection. The issues of increased rating for cervical spine disability, PTSD, and TDIU are remanded.

The Veteran's right shoulder disorder, including DJD and AVN, is not service-connected.,Prior to October 6, 2010, the Veteran's DDD of the lumbar spine was rated at 10 percent. After this date, a higher rating is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's left shoulder disability was not incurred or aggravated during service and is not related to any event in service. As a result, the claim for service connection for a left shoulder disability has been denied.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was received to reopen the claim for service connection for a right knee disability. However, the Veteran's current right knee disability is not related to service or his service-connected left and right ankle disabilities. The claims for service connection for left knee and left shoulder disabilities have also been denied as there is no evidence of an in-service injury or chronicity that could cause these conditions. The claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for mechanical back pain (low back) has not been addressed, and the TDIU claim remains intertwined with this issue.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including examinations of his right knee, shoulder, ankle, and PFB. The claim for a TDIU is also being remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the other issues.

The Veteran's initial ratings for his right shoulder and back disabilities were denied, with the right shoulder rated at 40 percent and the back disability rated at 20 percent.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical opinions and records, as well as to ensure all due process requirements are met.

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

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral shoulder arthritis and dismissed the appeal regarding a left hip disability, as well as other issues. The Veteran's current left hip osteoarthritis is being remanded for further development to determine its etiology.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for further examinations. The issues of service connection for a left shoulder condition, diabetes mellitus, and the disability rating for postoperative residuals, fracture of the left os calcis are all pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left shoulder and right knee disabilities are related to his service-connected right shoulder disability, with reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran. The claims for increased rating and extension of temporary total rating have been remanded.