Shoulder Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his right shoulder disability was granted, effective from August 4, 2004. The RO initially assigned an earlier effective date of July 29, 2004 but later changed it to August 4, 2004.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claim for a left shoulder disorder is granted, as there is evidence of a current disability, in-service injury, and medical nexus. The right shoulder disorder secondary to the left shoulder disorder will be addressed during the remand process.

The Board has determined that the reduction in the Veteran's ratings for his bilateral shoulder disorders from 40% and 30% to 20% was proper, as evidenced by improved range of motion findings. The current ratings are appropriate based on the evidence of record.

The Board found no current hip or shoulder disabilities and insufficient evidence to establish a nexus between any claimed conditions and service. As such, the Veteran's claims for bilateral hip disorder, right shoulder bursitis, and left shoulder bursitis were denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining missing service treatment records and providing an addendum to a previous VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, residuals of an avulsion fracture of the left foot (claimed as gout), and kidney stones. The appeal regarding service connection for Right Shoulder Disorder, Right Foot Disorder, and Left Knee Disorder is denied.

The Veteran's appeal involves claims for increased ratings and TDIU based on his service-connected left shoulder injury, axillary nerve damage, and right knee DJD. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly assess the severity of these conditions and determine if they preclude employment.

The Veteran's impingement syndrome of the left shoulder has been rated at 20 percent since November 12, 2005. The Board finds that an initial compensable rating is not warranted prior to this date.

The Veteran's service-connected bladder trauma with neurogenic bladder and hydronephrosis is manifested by awakening to void five or more times per night, warranting a 40% disability rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disability, right shoulder disability, and left hip disability are not related to service or any service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left shoulder condition is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his left (minor) shoulder osteoarthritis was denied as the evidence did not show limitation of motion to 25 degrees from the side, which would warrant a higher evaluation.

The clinical evidence does not demonstrate that the Veteran presently has a diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy or other chronic neurological disorder manifested by numbness in his hands, fingers and shoulders.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his left shoulder disability was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to December 19, 2007 and from December 19, 2007.

The Board has found that additional development is necessary and remands the case for further action, including obtaining medical records from the Veteran's chiropractor and Kaiser. The claims are inextricably intertwined with the service connection claim for a lumbar spine disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination and opinion regarding the nature and etiology of any current low back, neck, and left shoulder disabilities. The examiner should consider evidence from the period of active duty from June 27, 1978 through December 28, 1979 for the purpose of determining whether this evidence demonstrates continuity of symptomatology which began during his earlier service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings due to a missing substantive appeal submitted on June 25, 2009. The Veteran is given an opportunity to submit his substantive appeal or provide additional information.

The Veteran's tinnitus and right shoulder disorder are granted as service connected.

The Board has determined that additional development is required before the claims can be properly adjudicated, including providing VCAA notice, obtaining all pertinent records, verifying dates of service, and scheduling VA examinations for the Veteran's low back disorder, right elbow disorder, and left shoulder disorder.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including left leg cellulitis, tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, and a psychiatric disorder were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not have an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD, and his other claims were based on new evidence.