Shoulder Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right shoulder acromioclavicular degenerative arthritis with impingement syndrome is not related to his service-connected healed right clavicle fracture, and thus does not warrant service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and review of his medical records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including foot pain, low back pain, shoulder pain, and neuropsychiatric symptoms, were denied as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions are related to his military service or an undiagnosed illness.

The Veteran's current left shoulder disability is found to be related to his in-service injury, and service connection for a left shoulder disability is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a right shoulder disability, and an initial evaluation in excess of 40 percent for his lumbar spine disability. The issues were characterized as entitlement to service connection based on direct evidence.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability, including recurrent dislocation and strain, has not met the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent since July 1, 2009.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability, which includes a partial tendon tear and degenerative changes of the acromioclavicular joint, has not resulted in limitation of motion to 25 degrees from the side. The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence is against an evaluation in excess of 20 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected lumbar strain with bilateral facet arthrosis and left disc herniation, as well as his right shoulder rotator cuff strain and tendonitis, do not warrant a rating higher than 10 percent. The evidence does not support additional functional loss or other factors indicating an exceptional disability picture.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a compensable evaluation for any portion of the period on appeal.

The Board's June 1973 decision denying service connection for recurrent dislocation of the right shoulder is revised due to clear and unmistakable error (CUE). The evidence at that time supported a grant of service connection.

The Board granted service connection for osteoarthritis of the bilateral knees and shoulders as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected gastric disorder.

The Veteran's cervical spine, low back, and bilateral shoulder disabilities are not service-connected as they were not incurred or aggravated during his active military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's residuals of a right hand injury did not warrant a compensable rating, and his left shoulder disability was not service-connected.

The Veteran's initial compensable evaluation for right shoulder rotator cuff impingement syndrome prior to August 21, 2008 was denied. For the period beginning on August 21, 2008, his claim for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent was also denied.

The Veteran's left shoulder separation and seizure disorder are currently rated at 10 percent each, with no changes in rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a colon and digestive disorder, recurrent tinnitus, lumbar spine disorder, bilateral knee disorder, and bilateral shoulder disorder have been denied as there is no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his active military service.

The Board has determined that a new examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's current left shoulder disability is secondary to his service-connected right shoulder disability. The case will be returned for further action.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his request for withdrawal.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine, right shoulder, and right hip disorders as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right ankle disability. The adjustment disorder with depressed mood and idiopathic polyneuropathy of the right leg and right hip are not addressed in this decision.

The Veteran's right arm disorder is not found to be proximately due to or the result of a service-connected disability, and thus his claims for increased rating and secondary service connection are denied.