Shoulder Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient efforts made to obtain service treatment records and a need for a VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for a TBI, finding that the Veteran's self-reported motor vehicle accident during active duty is credible and linked to his current symptoms. The remaining claims are remanded for additional development.

The Board finds that the Veteran's right shoulder disorder, including a history of dislocation and contusion with chronic sprain, was incurred during active service. The disability is currently manifested by pain and limited range of motion.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for cataracts, finding no competent evidence to show that his post-service cataracts began during active service or were related to any incident of service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's COPD and any current residuals of burns on his neck and shoulders, as well as whether these conditions are related to service. The case will be remanded for further action.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and bilateral shoulder wounds, finding that there was no evidence of in-service stressors or a nexus to service.

The Board denied both issues: The debt resulting from the overpayment of benefits during the Veteran's incarceration was validly created, and the claim for an earlier effective date for election of military retirement pay in lieu of VA disability compensation benefits is denied.

The Veteran's right shoulder bicipital tendonitis is rated at 10 percent, effective May 27, 2008. The claims for restless leg syndrome, sleep apnea (secondary to a service-connected disability), left ear hearing loss, and low back disorder were not granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected disabilities are being remanded to the RO for additional development.

The Board found that the Veteran's current right shoulder disability is not related to his service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board finds that the Veteran's right shoulder, left elbow, and bilateral wrist disabilities are likely related to service. The Veteran reported symptoms during service and has continued treatment for these conditions.,Service connection is granted for a right shoulder disability, right elbow disability, and bilateral wrist disability.

The Board granted initial noncompensable ratings for the service-connected gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), right shoulder disability, and left shoulder disability effective from September 21, 2005.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his umbilical hernia and right shoulder disability are being remanded to allow for additional development of the record, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and arranging for examinations to assess the current severity of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected left shoulder disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and treatment records.

The Board denied service connection for left shoulder and cervical spine disorders, finding that the Veteran's current conditions were not incurred or aggravated by his active duty or ACDUTRA service.

The Veteran's PTSD causes occupational and social impairment, with deficiencies in most areas, but does not result in total occupational and social impairment. A 70 percent rating for PTSD is granted from June 1, 2008 forward.

The Veteran's low back disorder, right thumb disorder, degenerative joint disease of the right shoulder, and headaches are found to be related to service. The psychiatric disorder (inclusive of PTSD) is also granted as it is considered a direct result of service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability for which service connection can be granted, and thus denied all of his claims.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to fully and fairly consider the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical opinions regarding his skin disability and psychiatric disabilities. The case will be remanded for these actions.

Your appeal is being remanded to the RO for a Travel Board hearing. The issues include reopening your claim for asthma and bronchitis, service connection for left shoulder disability, service connection for hemorrhoid disability, and rating adjustments for other conditions.