Shoulder Board decisions

The VA physician found that the service-connected conditions (right forearm amputation, left hand injury, scar on nose, and left shoulder arthritis) did not substantially or materially contribute to the Veteran's death from end stage renal disease due to congestive heart failure. The Board therefore denied the claim as there was no evidence of a relationship between the service-connected disabilities and the cause of death.

The Veteran's right shoulder rotator cuff impingement is found to be secondary to his service-connected left shoulder disability. The claim for a higher rating for the left shoulder disability and TDIU are remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to allegations of increased severity of the Veteran's left shoulder disability since her last VA examination. The claim is being returned for a new examination to determine the current severity of the disability.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on the issues of bilateral shoulder and knee disabilities, vasectomy scar, and prostate mass have been dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including new VA examinations to assess the severity of his right shoulder disability and bilateral pes planus. The effective date of a 30 percent evaluation for the right shoulder will be corrected.

The Board found that the Veteran's hip, knee, elbow, and shoulder pain are not due to undiagnosed illness or service-connected conditions. The left and right shoulder pain is attributed to adhesive capsulitis caused by diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The Board cannot proceed with the merits of this claim as he is no longer alive.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for neck, shoulder, and hearing loss disorders have been granted. The effective date is set at October 23, 2007.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling appropriate VA examinations to assess the severity of the Veteran's left shoulder disability and bilateral pes planus and hallux valgus.

The Veteran's service-connected scars of the left ankle, right shoulder, back, and left arm have not been shown to meet or approximate the criteria for a compensable rating under any applicable diagnostic code.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral shoulder disabilities have rendered him unable to care for himself, necessitating the aid and attendance of another person. The Board finds that he meets the criteria for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability is rated as 20 percent disabling. The case is remanded for a new VA examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected condition.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral shoulder condition and hypertension. The decision found that the Veteran's hypertension was not incurred in or related to his active duty service, while the claim for the shoulder condition is pending due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's right shoulder strain is currently rated at 10 percent, but the evidence does not support a higher rating as there is no evidence of ankylosis or favorable ankylosis in any degree.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for defective vision and bilateral hearing loss, as well as his claims for left shoulder disorder, right shoulder disorder, lumbar spine disorder, left knee disorder, left arm disorder, and right arm disorder. The evidence received was not sufficient to reopen any of these previously denied claims.

The Board denied service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, left elbow epicondylitis and olecranon bursitis, and right shoulder degenerative joint disease as the evidence did not support a finding of direct service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to an outstanding hearing request. The claims for increased ratings will be addressed after the scheduled videoconference hearing.

The Veteran's service-connected left shoulder disability does not meet the criteria for an extraschedular evaluation or TDIU based on his service-connected condition.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has denied a higher rating. The claim for residuals of TBI was also denied.,New evidence received since the August 2007 decision supports reopening claims for lumbar spine DDD, cervical spine degenerative arthritis, and left shoulder disability. Service connection is granted for these conditions.,The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has denied a higher rating. The claim for residuals of TBI was also denied.,New evidence received since the August 2007 decision supports reopening claims for lumbar spine DDD, cervical spine degenerative arthritis, and left shoulder disability. Service connection is granted for these conditions.,The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has denied a higher rating. The claim for residuals of TBI was also denied.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected left shoulder disorder prior to September 12, 2012 was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show motion limited to 25 degrees or less from the side, which is necessary for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5201.