Shoulder Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing an addendum opinion regarding the relationship between his service-connected cervical spine disability and any diagnosed bilateral shoulder disorder.

The Board finds that the Veteran's left shoulder disability is related to his active service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities result in the need for aid and attendance, which is sufficient to meet the criteria for SMC at the O rate.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for the issues of entitlement to an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for right ulnar neuropathy, left knee lateral release with osteoarthritis, and right shoulder status post labral tear repair on or after December 9, 2010.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for right shoulder acromioclavicular osteoarthrosis, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus before the Board could make a decision.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support the Veteran's claims for arthritis of the shoulders, wrists, and cervical spine. The conditions are not related to her military service.

The Veteran's appeals for initial disability ratings and earlier effective dates have been withdrawn. The remaining claims of service connection are being remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that additional development is required before the claims can be adjudicated, including obtaining VA and SSA records, as well as a VA examination to determine the nature, extent, onset and etiology of any chronic headaches, kidney disorder, blood disorder (anemia and hyperkalemia), and right shoulder disorder.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting examinations to determine the etiology of her claimed conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for depression, PTSD, a right shoulder disability, residuals of hernia, bilateral eye disability (myopia or loss of vision), arthritis of the hands, and bilateral hearing loss. The evidence submitted was found to be duplicative or cumulative.

The Veteran withdrew her appeal on all issues related to service connection and rating for various conditions, including hearing loss with ear infections, tinnitus, onychomycosis of the toes and fingers, left shoulder disability, right hip bursitis, osteopenia, and chronic rhinitis and sinus infections.

The Board has found new and material evidence to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection of low back, left shoulder, and left hip disabilities. However, it did not find new and material evidence to reopen his claim for service connection of a neck disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board finds that he is entitled to TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including obtaining additional medical records and arranging for a VA examination. The Veteran's claims of service connection for right ankle, bilateral knee, and shoulder disabilities are pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left shoulder bursitis with impingement syndrome is related to his active duty service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected gunshot wound injury to the right shoulder, with involvement of Muscle Group III, was denied as the assignment of a greater than 20 percent rating is prohibited due to the nature of the disability being evaluated.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for left shoulder tendonitis is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's current right shoulder disorder, diagnosed as degenerative disease/osteoarthritis with probable impingement syndrome, was not incurred in or aggravated by service. The claim for bursitis is denied.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his left shoulder disability was granted, and he is currently receiving a 10% rating since July 28, 2010.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, but the Veteran's remaining claims of service connection for right ankle disorder, left knee disorder, bilateral shoulder disorder, cervical spine disorder, and back disorder are remanded for further development.