Shoulder Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to conflicting statements and lack of medical records, including a 2004 surgical report.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD, residuals of head injury (including memory loss), left shoulder disability, nerve disability, and bilateral knee disability were denied as the evidence did not establish a direct relationship to service.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral shoulder condition did not meet or approximate criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to June 12, 2012. The RO had previously granted an initial 10 percent rating and then increased it to 20 percent effective June 12, 2012.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral shoulder and arm disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and opinion.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability is rated at 20 percent from May 1, 2007. Prior to that date, the disability was not higher than 10 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of various orthopedic and neurological conditions have been denied as there is no competent evidence showing a nexus between the current disabilities and service.

The Veteran's right shoulder surgery performed on April 27, 2007 resulted in service connection for impingement syndrome, right shoulder with status post rotator cuff and arthroscopic surgical treatment. However, a temporary total rating under 38 C.F.R. § 4.30 is denied as the disability was not yet service-connected at the time of surgery.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain an addendum medical opinion clarifying whether his service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for right shoulder and lumbar spine disorders, finding new and material evidence. The diabetes mellitus claim is not on appeal.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for a left knee disorder. The Veteran now asserts that he experiences left knee problems as a result of his service-connected right knee and right ankle disorders, which would allow for secondary service connection.

The Veteran requested withdrawal of his appeal for the issues related to scars on the head, PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, sleep apnea, traumatic brain injury, melanoma and dental condition.

The Board found that the Veteran's current left shoulder disability is not related to his active duty service, including his in-service complaints of left shoulder pain. As a result, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for myofascial pain of the right shoulder girdle muscles is being remanded due to new evidence submitted post-remand, which includes a VA examination revealing nerve impairment. The case will be readjudicated after obtaining updated medical records and scheduling a neurological examination.

The Veteran's initial increased ratings for left shoulder disability and degenerative disc disease with spurring and bulging disc of the cervical and thoraco-lumbar spine were granted, but no higher as of August 11, 2010.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a videoconference hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Board has granted a 20 percent evaluation for the Veteran's right shoulder disorder, effective from September 7, 2007.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, or at the housebound rate was denied as he does not meet the criteria for such benefits.

The Veteran's claim is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder and right knee disorders were not incurred or aggravated by service, and arthritis may not be presumed to have been incurred therein.