Shoulder Board decisions

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain outstanding VA treatment records and schedule another VA orthopedic examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a left shoulder disability that is attributable to military service or to a service-connected disability. The criteria for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for recurrent dislocation, right shoulder, have not been met.

The Board found no evidence of a relationship between the Veteran's current bilateral shoulder disability and his active duty military service, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right shoulder disorder and denied a compensable initial disability rating for his bilateral hearing loss. The Board found that the Veteran's current right shoulder disorder is related to his military service, while his bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a compensable evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were all granted, with the exception of her claim for bronchial asthma. The Board found that she did not have a current disability related to these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected left shoulder rotator cuff tear has resulted in pain and stiffness, but not painful limitation of motion to shoulder level. The Board finds that a compensable rating is not warranted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for right shoulder arthritis, left hand arthritis, bilateral wrist arthritis, bilateral knee arthritis and bilateral hip arthritis due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his active service.

The Veteran's service-connected recurrent subluxation of the left shoulder with degenerative osteoarthritis is currently rated at 30 percent effective October 4, 2011. The Board has granted this rating.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, but denied the claims for hearing loss, tinnitus, and right shoulder disability. The Veteran's PTSD is linked to his in-service combat experience.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bursitis of the elbows and right shoulder bursitis are not related to his service, thus denying these claims.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for various disabilities, including those related to his cervical and lumbar spine conditions. The appeals were based on direct evidence rather than a presumption or secondary service connection.

The Veteran's sleep apnea, hemorrhoids and anal fissures, and postoperative impingement syndrome with osteophytes of the right shoulder have been granted service connection. The Veteran is currently rated at 30% for his postoperative impingement syndrome with osteophytes of the right shoulder.

The Veteran's claim is being reopened due to new evidence, but the Board will need to review all available records from his treatment at VA facilities and any private physician for a full determination of service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for a left shoulder disability, including a left shoulder sprain and tendonitis. The Veteran's chest muscle tear is also found to be related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for bilateral shoulder conditions due to inadequate examination and need for additional development.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various left-sided musculoskeletal disorders were denied as the medical evidence did not establish a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and x-rays of his right shoulder and clavicle. The case will be readjudicated after these are obtained.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD and residuals of fractures of the right tibia and fibula, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C, finding that no new and material evidence had been received. The issue of special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance was also addressed but the Veteran did not meet the criteria as he required assistance with daily activities due to his physical conditions but was not bedridden or hospitalized.

The Board found that the Veteran's current left shoulder disability did not manifest during service and is not otherwise related to an event or injury in service. The Board concluded that the Veteran's current condition was not caused by his military service.