Shoulder Board decisions

The Veteran's right shoulder disability, including arthroplasty and degenerative joint disease, is rated at 20 percent under the criteria for a minor extremity. The right elbow disability is not manifested by ankylosis or other severe impairment warranting a higher rating.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral knee arthritis, left shoulder arthritis, and mitral valve prolapse. The Veteran's conditions are found to be related to his active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran likely had right shoulder arthritis that was attributable to her period of active military service, and thus grants service connection for a right shoulder disability on an accrued basis.

The Veteran's GERD was granted an initial rating of 10 percent effective February 2, 2010. Service connection for right shoulder injury and right knee injury were denied. Service connection for migraine headaches secondary to PTSD was granted. Service connection for bilateral tinnitus was denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and bipolar disorder, not otherwise specified, had onset during active service. Therefore, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's DJD of the right and left knees had its onset during active service, and the Board has found that the criteria for establishing service connection are met. The issue of entitlement to service connection for a bilateral shoulder disability is addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision.

The Board found that the Veteran's current right shoulder disability and tinnitus were not incurred during or as a result of service, and thus denied both claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a right shoulder disability and entitlement to a compensable rating for corneal scars. The Veteran did not have a current diagnosis of a right shoulder disability, and his visual acuity was 20/40 or better with no indication of incapacitating episodes related to his corneal scars.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right shoulder sprain and degenerative joint disease, as well as his left shoulder disability, are not related to service. The claims for service connection have been denied.

The Veteran's right shoulder surgery required six months of convalescence, but further doctor-mandated convalescence was not demonstrated and the surgery did not result in severe postoperative residuals or immobilization by cast, home confinement, or continued necessity for wheelchair use. The Board finds that the criteria for a temporary total disability rating beyond April 30, 2011 based on need for convalescence following surgical treatment in October 2010 have not been met.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for paralysis of the long thoracic nerve with musculoskeletal pain in the left (minor) shoulder was granted, and his effective date for this increased rating is set at March 4, 2010.

The Board has granted an initial 10 percent rating for the Veteran's left shoulder degenerative changes, effective from the date of the decision.

The Board has granted service connection for internal derangement of the right knee, left knee, right wrist strain, and right shoulder strain. The Veteran's current diagnoses are consistent with his in-service complaints.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for service-connected pseudofolliculitis and status post left inguinal herniorrhaphy have been withdrawn.,The Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection of a right shoulder disability or a left shoulder disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for posttraumatic arthritis of the right ankle and left (minor) shoulder osteoarthritis, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher schedular ratings under applicable VA regulations.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining missing service records and VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's right shoulder disability is not related to his military service and denied his claim.

The Veteran's total and permanent disability rating due to service-connected disabilities, including his chronic cardiac disability affecting balance or propulsion, meets the criteria for a certificate of eligibility for financial assistance in the purchase of specially adapted housing.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative changes of the left hand, right shoulder, and bilateral hip disabilities are related to his active service. The evidence is in equipoise regarding this claim.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left foot condition, back disability, left shoulder disability, and neck disability. The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of these conditions.