Shoulder Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of his right shoulder disability was granted and he is now receiving a 40 percent evaluation.,Separate ratings were also granted for the entrance and exit wound scars of the right upper extremity, with a noncompensable rating effective November 22, 2010.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The RO assigned a noncompensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss effective from October 6, 2006.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including verification of his military service periods and a medical opinion regarding the etiology of his current shoulder disabilities.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations for various disabilities, including PTSD, knee conditions, elbow degenerative joint disease, cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, wrist condition/carpal tunnel syndrome, and left elbow disability. The decision also grants service connection for a bilateral arm disability (claimed as bilateral shoulder disability).

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. Service connection was granted for some conditions, but no new or material evidence was presented to reopen other service-connected claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the current status of his right shoulder disability and its impact on his ability to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for erectile dysfunction, hypertension, diverticulitis and irritable bowel condition, gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), aches and pain in the entire body, bilateral arm pain, and bilateral shoulder pain as secondary to post-traumatic stress disorder.

The Board found that there was no evidence of a right shoulder injury or condition during service, and the current right shoulder disorder is not related to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a Travel Board hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the RO.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine and bilateral shoulder disabilities are related to his military service, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's lumbosacral spine disability was granted a rating of 10 percent prior to April 25, 2003 and 20 percent as of August 20, 2005. The right shoulder contusion was also granted a compensable rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed skin disease, hand tremors, and joint disabilities are not related to his service or any undiagnosed illness. The hip and ankle disabilities have not been shown to be due to a chronic condition within one year of separation.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for a left shoulder condition and granted service connection for migraine headaches and right wrist disorder. The claims are based on new evidence showing continuity of symptoms since service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left shoulder disorder is not related to his military service and thus, denied service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his relocation, and he needs a new hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the appropriate Regional Office.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including a VA audiological examination to determine the nature and etiology of his right ear hearing loss. The issues are related to service connection based on new evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to the need for medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed conditions and their relationship to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development, including obtaining records from his former firefighting employer and arranging for a VA examination to determine the nature and likely etiology of his back and left shoulder disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's psychiatric disorder, depression, is not related to his active service and therefore denied service connection for this condition. The heart disorder was also found not to be related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rated at 20 percent or more do not meet the criteria for vocational rehabilitation benefits under Chapter 31, Title 38, United States Code due to his advanced educational attainments and transferable past employment skills.