Shoulder Board decisions

The Veteran seeks service connection for a left shoulder disability, which he claims is related to an injury sustained during active duty. The case is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and records.

The Veteran's stomach/swallowing disability, including dysphagia with hiatal hernia, is service-connected. The claim for tinnitus is remanded to obtain a VA examination to determine if it is related to in-service noise exposure. Service connection is granted for the cervical spine, bilateral foot, right shoulder, and right hand disabilities based on evidence of current disability and in-service injury or symptomatology.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current shoulder disorders are related to service.

The Board previously denied service connection for a left shoulder disability in June 1969. The Veteran has submitted new and material evidence, reopening the claim of service connection. However, further development is needed to determine if the current left shoulder condition is related to service or pre-existing conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for memory loss, left shoulder disability/arthritis, low back disability, and foot disability due to undiagnosed illness. The disabilities were found not related to service or any presumptive conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a right shoulder disability related to service and denied his claim for service connection. The Board also noted that chronic lymphocytic leukemia is presumed due to herbicide exposure during service, but did not find any evidence of a current left ear hearing loss condition.

The Board has dismissed the appeal regarding an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for PTSD. The remaining claims, including a higher initial rating for PTSD and issues related to a right shoulder disability, are being remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if his current shoulder disorders are related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including intervertebral disc syndrome, lumbosacral spine; residuals of a right shoulder injury; intervertebral disc syndrome, cervical spine; right arm radiculopathy as secondary to cervical spine associated with intervertebral disc syndrome, cervical spine; and headaches, prevent him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's postoperative residuals of right (major) shoulder injury are currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds no evidence to warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's current left shoulder disability is related to a left shoulder injury incurred during active duty service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection of residuals of dislocation of the right shoulder.

The Board found that the Veteran's right shoulder, left shoulder, and left knee disabilities are not related to his active service. The VA examinations concluded that these conditions were more likely due to post-service occupational activities.

The Veteran's left and right shoulder instability were incurred in active service.,The Veteran's left and right knee instability were incurred in active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability involving his left knee or low back, and thus service connection for these conditions is denied. The claim for service connection for a left shoulder disorder remains pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection of bilateral shoulder disability, bilateral plantar fasciitis, and retinopathy are denied as there is no diagnosed condition. The claim for service connection of bilateral upper extremity and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition has been reopened and granted. Service connection is also established for diabetes mellitus type II as a result of herbicide exposure (Agent Orange). The Veteran's interstitial fibrosis (asbestosis) was found to be aggravated by his pre-existing asbestos exposure.,The Veteran's corn on the right little toe and left shoulder condition claims are not supported by evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of the record, including obtaining private treatment records and providing a VA examination to determine the etiology of his claimed disorders.

The Veteran's service-connected right and left shoulder disabilities have been granted initial compensable disability ratings of 10 percent each.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability has been rated as 60 percent for IVDS with pronounced symptoms, including sciatic neuropathy and demonstrable deformity of a vertebral body. The right shoulder arthritis is not entitled to an increased rating.,The left shoulder arthritis warrants a separate 10 percent rating.