Shoulder Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for a left ankle disability and bilateral pes planus, but denied service connection for low back, neck, and shoulder disabilities. The Veteran's current foot condition is considered to have existed prior to his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's current left shoulder and cervical spine disorders were not incurred in or aggravated by service, as there was no evidence of such during service and a long period without medical complaint after service. The examiner determined it less likely than not that these conditions are related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed left shoulder, low back, right little toe, and hepatitis C conditions are not etiologically related to service. The Veteran is not diagnosed with PTSD; depressive disorder is not etiologically related to service or a service-connected disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for his service-connected left shoulder dislocation beginning May 16, 2010.

The Veteran's shell fragment wound residuals of the left upper extremity, specifically involving the left shoulder and chest, have been granted a maximum schedular rating of 30 percent. The Veteran's shell fragment wound residuals of the left lower extremity, specifically involving the left leg and thigh, have also been granted a maximum schedular rating of 10 percent.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral shoulder disorder and a leg length discrepancy, finding that the conditions were not incurred or aggravated during military service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the Veteran's service connection claims, including obtaining verification of his periods of Reserve and National Guard duty service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left shoulder tendonitis, left elbow bursitis, patellofemoral syndrome of the right and left knees are related to his active military service. The appeal is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's intermittent left shoulder strain manifested prior to his separation from service, and thus grants service connection effective May 14, 2007.

The Board denied service connection for left shoulder disability, right shoulder disability, glaucoma, and hypertension. The Veteran's claims were not supported by evidence showing the onset of these conditions during or within one year after his military service.,Service connection was denied as there is no medical evidence linking any of the claimed disabilities to active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right shoulder disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, and scheduling an examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right shoulder strain, bilateral arm eczema, and sympathetic dystrophy with neuritis of the left groin were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating than the current 10 percent assigned.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and providing a VA examination to address the etiology of the Veteran's claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his request for withdrawal prior to the promulgation of a decision.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected gunshot wound to the left shoulder was denied as his disability did not warrant a higher evaluation.

The Board denied the Veteran's appeal to reopen service connection for residuals of a right shoulder dislocation, finding no new evidence to show that the preexisting right shoulder disorder was permanently worsened by service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining private medical records and clarifying whether the Veteran still desires a Board hearing.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's left shoulder disability is service-connected as secondary to his right shoulder disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claims for right wrist, left ankle, right shoulder, and right knee disabilities are granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing. The claim of service connection for a left shoulder disability as secondary to his right shoulder rotator cuff repair remains under consideration.