Shoulder Board decisions

The Veteran's right shoulder disability, which is currently rated at 30 percent disabling, has not been shown to warrant a higher rating based on the current evidence of record.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder disability, right middle ear damage with hearing loss, and memory loss are related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected right hip bursitis, cervical strain, status post right shoulder dislocation, and ganglion cyst of the left wrist are each rated at 10 percent. The claims for higher initial ratings have been denied.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the issues have been dismissed.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected tendonitis of the right shoulder is being remanded due to inadequate examination reports and the need for additional information regarding employment impact.

The Veteran's adhesive capsulitis and surgical scars of the right shoulder were granted increased ratings, with a 40% rating for adhesive capsulitis effective March 4, 2011.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability was granted a 20 percent rating effective January 19, 2011. The issues of entitlement to an initial compensable rating for a bunionectomy of the left foot and service connection for a right elbow disability are pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and coronary artery disease, have rendered him unemployable since May 2006. As a result, his claim for TDIU is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and consideration, including obtaining service personnel records and arranging for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's left shoulder disability is secondary or aggravated by his service-connected right shoulder disability. The Veteran's claim for SMC based on need for aid and attendance remains pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are not ready for decision and have been remanded to obtain additional medical evidence.

The Veteran's right shoulder disorder has been rated at 10 percent since January 22, 2003. The rating is effective throughout the period beginning January 22, 2003, excluding periods where a temporary total rating has already been assigned.

The appellant's claims for service connection were denied because he failed to report for scheduled VA examinations. As a result, the claims are denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain medical records and for VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his service-connected right hip disability, as well as any current low back, bilateral shoulder, and bilateral knee disabilities.

The Board granted service connection for the Veteran's inguinal hernia, bilateral, postoperative with scar and assigned a 10 percent disability rating effective from October 20, 2006. The decision also addressed other issues of service connection but did not reach a final determination on them.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule a Travel Board Hearing at the RO. The issues of service connection for various disorders are still under consideration.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal with respect to the issues of entitlement to higher initial ratings for GERD and tinea cruris of the groin, as well as entitlement to service connection for a shoulder rash.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for chronic cholesterol (claimed as 'chronic cholesterol') is denied. The remaining claims are addressed in the remand.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability was evaluated based on the severity of his symptoms and functional impairment. The Board found that a higher rating was not warranted for any portion of the appeal period.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the nature and severity of his service-connected shoulder disabilities, specifically whether any neurological symptoms are related to his service-connected DJD.