Shoulder Board decisions

The Veteran's left shoulder disability, characterized by malunion of the glenohumeral joint with deformity but without dislocations or ankylosis, is currently rated at 20 percent under DC 5201. The VA examiner found that his range of motion was limited to 90 degrees in flexion and abduction, which aligns with a 20 percent rating.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal prior to the Board making a decision.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 is being remanded due to the need to obtain quality assurance records and a comprehensive medical examination.

The Board has ordered the Veteran's case to be remanded for additional development, including a VA examination and review of her claims file.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support a finding of service connection for right shoulder DJD, as the Veteran's current condition does not meet the criteria for direct service connection due to lack of in-service injury and insufficient medical evidence linking his current condition to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran developed a lumbar spine and bilateral shoulder disability during military service, granting his claims for service connection.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal in its entirety at the October 2012 Board hearing.

Service connection granted for right thoracolumbar strain, and an initial evaluation of 20 percent was assigned. Service connection was also granted for a chronic headache disability.

The Board finds that the overpayment of VA compensation benefits in the amount of $3,319.84 was properly created and is a valid debt.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is rated at 20 percent, granting a higher evaluation than the current 10 percent. The Veteran's hammertoe of the left and right fifth toes are both rated as noncompensable.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of any lumbar spine, thoracic spine, cervical spine or shoulder disability that may be present.

The Veteran's service-connected recurrent dislocation of the right shoulder is currently rated at 20 percent, effective November 10, 2008. The examiner noted that the Veteran has symptoms such as pain, stiffness, weakness, decreased speed of joint motion, daily or more often locking episodes, and tenderness.

The Veteran's appeal for higher initial ratings for migraine headaches, chest scars, and shoulder/tendon/knee conditions has been dismissed due to the withdrawal of the appeal by the Veteran.

The Veteran's increased rating claim for his left shoulder disability is denied as the evidence does not support a higher evaluation based on current functional impairment.

The Veteran's service connection claims for a left shoulder disability and bilateral lower extremity disorder (excluding radiculopathy and peripheral neuropathy) were granted. The initial evaluations for the disabilities are 10 percent each.,Effective February 24, 2011, the Veteran was assigned increased ratings of 20 percent for his right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, left upper extremity radiculopathy, and right upper extremity radiculopathy. The initial evaluations were 10 percent each prior to this date.,The Veteran's service connection claims for a left shoulder disability and bilateral lower extremity disorder (excluding radiculopathy and peripheral neuropathy) were granted. The initial evaluations for the disabilities are 10 percent each.,Effective February 24, 2011, the Veteran was assigned increased ratings of 20 percent for his right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, left upper extremity radiculopathy, and right upper extremity radiculopathy. The initial evaluations were 10 percent each prior to this date.

The Veteran's claim for SMC at the housebound rate is denied because he does not have a single service-connected disability rated as 100 percent disabling, and his TDIU rating based on one service-connected disability qualifies him for a total rating without requiring additional service-connected disabilities to meet the criteria.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety disorder, and depressive disorder was granted. However, his claim for service connection for metastatic squamous cell cancer of the neck, throat, tongue, and shoulder muscles remains denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as his right shoulder disability, right rotator cuff tear, and right bicep tendon tear did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable VA rating criteria.

The Board denied service connection for a left shoulder disability, finding that the current condition is not related to an injury in active service and arthritis of the left shoulder cannot be presumed to have been caused by active service.