Shoulder Board decisions

The Veteran has been granted service connection for a left shoulder disorder and it is determined that the skin disorder (other than skin cancer) is not due to in-service exposure to ionizing radiation.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his left shoulder disability was denied due to his failure without good cause to report for necessary VA examinations.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims of service connection for a chronic thoracolumbar disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder, but dismissed his appeal regarding the left shoulder issue.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to insufficient evidence of a diagnosed left shoulder disability. The Veteran's attorney requested additional VA treatment records from the Atlanta VAMC, which must be obtained before readjudicating this claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left shoulder disability and left-sided numbness, finding that there was no evidence of in-service injury or disease related to these conditions.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain VA treatment records, arrange for a new VA examination regarding the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, and provide an appropriate VA examination regarding his claimed left hand injury and shoulder disorders. The case will be returned to the Board after these actions are completed.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claim of service connection for a bilateral knee disability, but finds that there is no evidence to support her contention that she incurred this condition during active service.,The Veteran's claims for right ankle and bilateral shoulder disabilities are also denied as there is insufficient evidence linking these conditions to active service.

The Veteran's claim is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of her left shoulder disability, including any functional impairment caused by pain.

The Board has granted service connection for right shoulder strain and headaches, finding that the Veteran's reported symptoms since service are consistent with his in-service injuries.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render her unable to obtain and retain substantially gainful employment, meeting the criteria for a TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left shoulder disorder was incurred during his active duty service, and thus grants the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability, rated at 50 percent since September 28, 2010, is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of an injury to muscle group VI, right (dominant), status post total shoulder arthroplasty are currently rated at 60 percent and no higher. The Board finds that the current rating adequately reflects the severity of his disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for arthritis of the right shoulder is being remanded due to insufficient evidence and a need for further examination.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims of service connection for a left knee disorder and a left shoulder disorder, but further development is needed to address the merits of these claims.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the current degree of disability of his right shoulder and obtaining treatment records from the Jamaica Plain and West Roxbury VAMCs. The issue of entitlement to TDIU will also be addressed.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability, neck and shoulder disabilities, and hepatitis C. The evidence submitted since the final decisions is new and material, raising a reasonable possibility of substantiating these claims.

The Veteran's right shoulder condition is being remanded for a VA examination to determine its likely etiology and whether it is related to service or a service-connected disability.

The Board finds that the Veteran's service-connected right shoulder disability more nearly approximated limitation of motion of the right arm midway between side and shoulder level for the entire increased rating period, warranting a 30 percent disability rating under Diagnostic Code 5201.