Shoulder Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including acid reflux, high cholesterol, erectile dysfunction, kidney disease, thyroid disorder, gout, and lower back/shoulder disabilities, were denied as these conditions are not presumed to be related to herbicide exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hip and low back disabilities did not have onset in service or were not caused by his active military service. The right shoulder, headaches, and anxiety conditions are also denied.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for left shoulder and left hip disabilities but denied them on the merits. The Veteran is granted a TDIU.

The Board has determined that no new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, residuals of head injury, visual impairment, low back disability, chronic shoulder disability, and right ankle disability. The Veteran's sister provided a statement in June 2011, but it is considered redundant or cumulative.

The Veteran's death was caused by decompensated liver disease and respiratory failure. The appellant seeks service connection for the cause of his death, contending that his adenocarcinoma of the prostate contributed to his fatal hepatocellular cancer.

The Veteran's current bilateral wrist condition is service-connected, and the Board grants his appeal for this issue. The remaining issues are referred to the RO for further development.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right shoulder dislocation and left shoulder disability are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations. The TDIU claim is also inextricably intertwined with these issues.

The Board found no right knee disability and denied service connection for a right shoulder disability. The left knee disability was diagnosed but not related to service or a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability was rated at 30 percent from February 1, 2007 to August 21, 2007. From February 1, 2008 onward, the rating remained at 30 percent as there is no evidence of fibrous union or other disabling conditions warranting a higher evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine disability and found that it is related to the Veteran's left wrist disability, right shoulder disability, and pulled groin muscle. The rating assigned remains at 20 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to ensure full compliance with the duty to assist, including obtaining SSA records and VA treatment records. Additionally, he should be scheduled for VA examinations to determine the nature of his claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability, with a retained foreign body and associated scar, is rated at 30 percent disabling prior to November 19, 2009. The Veteran also has a separate compensable rating for the scar.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the claims.,The Veteran's petition to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for sleep apnea has been withdrawn. The RO/AMC will gather any outstanding VA treatment records and obtain private medical records from identified sources, including those related to his skin disorder.,The Veteran's appeals for service connection have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the claims.,The Veteran's petition to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for depression has been withdrawn. The RO/AMC will gather any outstanding VA treatment records and obtain private medical records from identified sources, including those related to his skin disorder.,The Veteran's appeals for service connection have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the claims.,The Veteran's petition to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for hypertension has been withdrawn. The RO/AMC will gather any outstanding VA treatment records and obtain private medical records from identified sources, including those related to his skin disorder.,The Veteran's appeals for service connection have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the claims.,The Veteran's petition to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for arthritis has been withdrawn. The RO/AMC will gather any outstanding VA treatment records and obtain private medical records from identified sources, including those related to his skin disorder.,The Veteran's appeals for service connection have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the claims.,The Veteran's petition to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for hair loss has been withdrawn. The RO/AMC will gather any outstanding VA treatment records and obtain private medical records from identified sources, including those related to his skin disorder.,The Veteran's appeals for service connection have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the claims.

The Board has granted service connection for right (major) shoulder capsulitis with bursitis and a sinus disorder, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his in-service injuries. The Board also found that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by active service.

The Board has remanded the claims due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's shoulder strain and bruxism, requiring further examination and review.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for right shoulder and elbow disabilities due to incomplete development, including a need for additional medical examinations and records.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not render him unemployable, as the VA examiners found that his disabilities did not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's service-connected right shoulder bursitis is currently rated at 10 percent, effective April 1, 2005. The disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as there is no limitation of motion to shoulder level or ankylosis.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn and the case is dismissed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left shoulder disability and residuals of a muscle injury of the left arm are not related to his military service.