Shoulder Board decisions

The Board has received a withdrawal of the appeal from the appellant's authorized representative, thus dismissing the case.

The Board denied service connection for left shoulder injury and osteoarthritis, as well as injuries of both knees and osteoarthritis. The Veteran's claims were also denied for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to October 12, 2011, and an evaluation in excess of 20 percent since then.,The Board found no evidence of inservice injury or chronic disability related to the claimed conditions.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD, to include major depressive disorder and anxiety, is found to be related to his service-connected PTSD. The Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's right knee disability is rated at 20 percent for locking, pain and effusion into the joint. Beginning July 17, 2012, he has a separate 10 percent rating for instability of the right knee joint.,For his left knee disability, the Veteran receives a 20 percent rating for locking, pain and effusion into the joint. He does not have any limitation of motion warranting an additional rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left shoulder disability is not proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected low back disability. The fall causing the injury was not related to his service-connected condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's dematomycosis (fungal skin condition) is service-connected, and his degenerative joint disease of the feet, ankles, knees, and shoulders are not service-connected. The decision also notes that the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability was remanded but no substantive appeal was filed.

The Board has granted service connection for tendinopathy of the right shoulder, status post arthroscopic surgery; lumbar spine degenerative disc syndrome; and right lower extremity neuropathy. The acquired psychiatric disorder claim is not addressed as it was not part of the appeal.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support the Veteran's claim of a left shoulder disorder being related to service, and thus denied her claim.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability, characterized by recurrent dislocation and limited motion, is currently rated at 30 percent since March 1, 2008. The Board finds that the evidence supports this rating.

The Board found that bowel and bladder dysfunction, hypertension, right shoulder disorder, and neck disorder are not related to service or a service-connected disability.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left shoulder disability, finding that there is no evidence to support a direct relationship between his current condition and his military service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain the Veteran's service treatment records and Tricare treatment records. The Veteran also needs a VA examination for his sleep apnea, left shoulder strain, and body joint pain claims.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a VA examination and an income verification form. The Veteran's claim for nonservice-connected pension is being reviewed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right knee, left knee, and left shoulder disorders are not related to his service. The preponderance of evidence is against a finding that these conditions began in or are otherwise linked to his military service.

The Board has granted entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, finding that the Veteran's service-connected right shoulder and anxiety disorders preclude her from obtaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed low back, left shoulder, and left elbow disabilities are not related to service. The preponderance of the evidence shows that these conditions are more likely due to natural degenerative changes associated with aging.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his bilateral eye disorders and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, meet the schedular requirements for a TDIU. With full consideration of his educational background and occupational experience, the Board finds that the Veteran is precluded from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected left shoulder disability was not productive of limitation of motion to 25 degrees from the side during the period from December 1, 2008 through October 28, 2009. As a result, his claim for an increased rating is denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, left shoulder disability, and left foot disability as new and material evidence was not received. The claim of service connection for sleep apnea is also denied.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability, bilateral hand disability, and bilateral shoulder disability. Service connection for hypertension was also granted. The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have been rated based on their severity.