Shoulder Board decisions

The Veteran's left shoulder disability was rated as 10 percent disabling prior to July 30, 2009. From November 1, 2009 to July 28, 2011, the disability was rated at 20 percent. Since then, it has been rated at 10 percent. The Veteran's request for higher ratings and service connection were denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for depressive disorder, thoracolumbar spine disorder, right shoulder disorder, and right wrist disorder. The appeals on cervical spine, left shoulder, wrist, hand, hip, knee, ankle, and foot disorders have been withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection of a right shoulder condition and granted it. The Veteran is also entitled to special monthly pension based on regular need of aid and attendance.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim for residuals of a right knee injury. The claims for left knee disability, right shoulder disability, left shoulder disability, hypertension, and bilateral eye disability have all been denied as they do not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing a supplemental opinion regarding the Veteran's varicose veins of the left leg and right shoulder disability.

The Board has granted service connection for a right shoulder disorder. The issue of service connection for a back disorder is remanded due to the need for proper development.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than August 3, 2010 for a grant of service connection for residuals of chloracne with scarring chest, upper back, shoulders, proximal skin and face.

The Board has granted service connection for lipomas, but denied service connection for bilateral shoulder disabilities, bronchitis, and migraine headaches as there is no current disability found to be related to active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD is proximately due to or the result of his service-connected right leg, back, right ankle, and right hip disabilities. The claims for erectile dysfunction and a right shoulder disability are also granted as they are related to these service-connected conditions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right shoulder disability, finding that there is no evidence of an in-service injury or disease and no medical opinion linking his current condition to any service-connected conditions. The Veteran's cognitive impairment was also found not to be related to any service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the issue of entitlement to service connection for a left shoulder condition must be remanded due to incomplete medical records and need for further examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional evidentiary development, including obtaining his complete service treatment and personnel records.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability, which resulted in painful motion and weakness causing limitation of motion to the shoulder level, is rated at 20 percent. The Board found that this warranted a higher initial rating than what was initially assigned.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the AOJ for a new examination due to the lack of recent VA examination and possible worsening symptoms.

The Veteran's right shoulder disorder is rated at 20 percent, the maximum schedular rating available. The Board finds that this rating adequately compensates for his disability and does not warrant an extraschedular evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations to address the Veteran's claims.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected old fracture of the left clavicle with nonunion was denied. The Board found that the current state of impairment did not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records and scheduling VA examinations to address the claims for bilateral hearing loss and a left shoulder disability.

The Board found no evidence of chronic disorders in service or within one year post-service, and the preponderance of medical evidence does not support a nexus between current disabilities and service. The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability has been rated at 30 percent, the highest rating available for a non-dominant side shoulder with limitation of motion to 25 degrees from the side.