Shoulder Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral ankle and elbow disorders, finding that the Veteran's current diagnoses are at least as likely as not related to his in-service combat experiences. The hip and shoulder issues remain unresolved.

The Veteran's right shoulder impingement syndrome has been characterized by pain, crepitus, and limitation of motion. The current evaluation of 20 percent is appropriate given the symptoms.

The Board has determined that there is no competent and probative evidence linking the Veteran's current right shoulder disability or cervical spine disability to service, and thus denied both claims.

The case is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a Travel Board hearing at the Los Angeles VARO. The Veteran's appeal will be handled in an expeditious manner.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied in a final October 1994 Board decision. The RO granted service connection for his disabilities effective March 13, 2009, the date he filed to reopen his previously denied claims.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder, low back, left leg, and right leg disabilities. However, these claims are being REMANDED to obtain additional information from the Veteran regarding his factory job in 1982 and to schedule appropriate VA examinations.

The Board found that VA's treatment did not meet the criteria for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 due to lack of fault on VA's part.

The Board determined that the Veteran's current left shoulder disabilities, including tendonitis, arthritis, capsulitis, and impingement syndrome, are related to service. The pre-existing fracture was not aggravated during service.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that his pain medication use contributed to his death. The primary cause was coronary artery disease.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical records from specific providers and examining his current disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining a 1989 angiogram and another opinion regarding his left subclavian shoulder/arm disorder. The issues of secondary service connection will also be addressed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar spine, right shoulder, left ankle, and right ankle disabilities. The issues of entitlement to service connection for a cervical spine disorder and a right elbow disorder were also addressed but are pending on remand.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome has been denied as there is no current diagnosis or symptoms of the condition. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a finding of chronic fatigue syndrome.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting examinations to determine whether service connection can be established for fatigue, fibromyalgia, arthritis of the shoulders, and plantar warts and chondromalacia of the knees. The Veteran's claims are currently pending.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability has been rated as 10 percent disabling for the entire appeal period, with no higher rating granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his right shoulder tendonitis claim, including obtaining updated VA and private treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran had symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea and a right shoulder disability during service, and since service separation. The Board finds these conditions are incurred in service.

The case is being remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records, address secondary service connection claims for orthopedic disabilities, and provide a VA examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left shoulder disorder, a disability manifested by growths on the neck, and burns. The evidence did not support these claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and opinion regarding service connection for shoulder and back disorders. The Veteran's claims will be returned for further development.