Shoulder Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, degenerative joint disease of the bilateral shoulders and joints, and leukocytoclastic vasculitis have been granted. The Veteran is also entitled to a 10 percent rating for his leukocytoclastic vasculitis.

The Veteran's right shoulder injury, characterized by recurrent dislocation of the scapulohumeral joint with frequent episodes and guarding of all arm movements, is currently rated as 30 percent disabling prior to October 26, 2010. As of that date, he is entitled to a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the case should be remanded for further development to determine if the Veteran has separate upper back and shoulder disabilities related to his service.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance or being housebound was denied as he does not meet the criteria for either condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral knee conditions and a right shoulder disability is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and development of VA treatment records.

The Board found no evidence to support a service connection for the Veteran's left arm/shoulder disability, concluding that it was not incurred or aggravated by his military service.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability, including osteoarthritis and chronic impingement syndrome, is found to be related to his military service. His left shoulder scar is also considered service-connected.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for a lumbar spine disorder secondary to December 12, 2005 colonoscopy was denied as the medical evidence does not show that the Veteran has a qualifying additional disability in the form of a lumbar spine disorder.

The Board has determined that there is new and material evidence to reopen the claims for service connection for hearing loss, left knee disorder, tinnitus, and left shoulder disorder. The Veteran's current disabilities are found to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found no evidence of a right thumb disability, left shoulder disability, testicular disability, diabetes mellitus, or migraine headaches in service. The Veteran's current conditions are not shown to be related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining specific dates of active service, ACDUTRA and INACDUTRA from 1974 to 1996. Additional VA treatment records are also requested.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a disability of the hands and bilateral shoulder disabilities were denied. The claim for increased rating for residuals of a neck injury was also denied.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability was evaluated at a 20 percent rating from June 1, 2005 to January 27, 2011. Since January 28, 2011, the disability has been rated at 30 percent.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for his shell fragment wound of the left shoulder with scars remains pending and needs to be addressed in a supplemental statement of the case.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations and development of his TDIU claim, including consideration of all service-connected disabilities on employability.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left shoulder disorder, diagnosed as left shoulder rotator cuff tendinitis and partial thickness tear, is secondarily related to his service-connected right shoulder disability. Therefore, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain clarification of the VA examiner's opinion and to ensure all necessary development is completed. The Veteran's right shoulder disorder, including bursitis, will be evaluated in light of his service history and any additional evidence obtained.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various orthopedic disabilities, including bilateral shoulder, arm/wrist, and forearm/wrist disabilities, cervical spine, lumbar spine, left posterior rib cage disabilities, as well as bilateral hearing loss. The decision found that these conditions were not incurred or aggravated by active duty service.