Shoulder Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of a gunshot injury to the right shoulder are currently rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available for this condition.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, arthritis of the finger, arthritis of the shoulder, cold weather residuals of the lower and upper extremities. The preponderance of the evidence is against finding any current disabilities are related to military service.

The Board denied service connection for prostate cancer and left shoulder disability, finding no evidence of a direct relationship to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling the Veteran for VA examinations to assess his left shoulder disability and PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal for a reduction in his left shoulder disability evaluation from 40 percent to 30 percent effective July 1, 2012 was denied. The Board found that the reduction did not comply with applicable regulations and thus was improper.

The Board found that the Veteran's left shoulder disorder is not attributable to or related to service, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination and further development of the cervical spine and left shoulder disability claims.

The Board has determined that additional VCAA notice is required as the current notice did not include a list of service-connected disabilities and an explanation of the information or evidence needed to establish a disability rating and effective date.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability associated with hematuria, and thus denied his claim for service connection. The claims for right knee disorder and bilateral shoulder disorder are remanded for further examination to determine their etiology. The initial compensable evaluation for deviated nasal septum with allergic rhinitis is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service treatment records and other issues.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disorder and left shoulder disorder due to insufficient development of evidence. The case will be returned to the Board after further development.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 20 percent for postoperative residuals of a right shoulder dislocation was denied. The Board also found that the Veteran's claim for SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance of another person is not currently pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed disabilities are not service-connected, as there is no evidence of a right ankle injury in service or for many years thereafter. The current right ankle disability is not related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for arthritis or other disorders of the shoulders, arms, low back, legs, and joints is being remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining Social Security Administration records, VA treatment records, and a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right shoulder disorder is due to an in-service injury and affords him the benefit of doubt, granting service connection for degenerative joint disease of the right shoulder.

The Veteran's chronic headache disorder is found to be related to a head trauma he experienced in service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to a lack of scheduled hearing. The Veteran is requested to attend a videoconference hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the RO.

The Board has ordered additional development for the appellant's claims, including obtaining his service medical records and arranging for examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities. The case will be returned to the RO/AMC for further consideration.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee and right shoulder disorders, including obtaining a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection of his left shoulder injury, cervical strain, and laceration of the left hand should be remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and consideration. The claims are also inextricably intertwined with a claim for an initial rating higher than 0 percent for the laceration scar on his left hand.