Shoulder Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office for further review, including consideration of his training as a medical surgical nurse and clinical nurse training in relation to his employability prior to May 5, 2005.

The Veteran's claims for higher evaluations for his low back, cervical spine, and right shoulder disabilities were denied as the evidence did not show that any of these conditions warranted a rating in excess of the current assigned ratings.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability was found to be less than the required criteria for a higher rating, with no ankylosis or instability. The VA determined that his pain and limitation of motion did not warrant a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including cervical spine disorder, shoulder condition, pubis symphysis separation with groin pain, and sleep disorder, have been denied as there is no evidence of in-service injury or disease that could be linked to these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected knee and shoulder disabilities have been evaluated, but none of the claims for increased ratings are granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disability, claimed as a right shoulder/arm disability, was incurred in or aggravated by his period of active service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for a new examination. The claims will be reconsidered based on the updated evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied across multiple conditions, with the exception of a claim to reopen due to new and material evidence.

The Board found that the Veteran's arthritis of the back, neck, and shoulders is not related to his service-connected right forearm disabilities. The claim for secondary service connection was denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including chronic bilateral lower extremity stress fractures, right shoulder disability, flat feet, pulmonary disability, right wrist tendonitis, and bilateral hearing loss disability have been denied. The Board found no evidence of current disabilities related to the in-service complaints.

The Veteran's service-connected left shoulder, cervical spine, and ankle disabilities have been rated appropriately. The initial disability ratings for the left shoulder and right upper extremity are granted at 10 percent each, while the ankle disability remains noncompensable.

The Board found that the Veteran's left shoulder and left knee disorders are not related to his service-connected right shoulder and right knee disorders.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for an adequate examination to address his left shoulder gunshot wound residuals, including any nerve damage. If it is determined that loss of use of the left hand exists as a result of the service-connected left shoulder gunshot wound residuals, special monthly compensation (SMC) may be applicable.

The Board found that there is no competent or credible evidence showing a current left shoulder disorder related to service, including as secondary to the service-connected residuals of a right shoulder injury. As such, the Veteran's claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death while the appeal was pending before the Court.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for service-connected ankylosing spondylitis of the left knee, right elbow, and right shoulder are being remanded due to inadequate examination records and need for updated VA treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of March 15, 2004, for a 10 percent evaluation for impingement syndrome of the right shoulder is granted. The Board found that his informal claim was received by VA on March 15, 2004, and he satisfied the schedular criteria for a 10 percent rating as of that date.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are denied. The Veteran has been granted service connection for tinnitus, but the maximum disability rating is already assigned.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's claims for erectile dysfunction, GERD, right leg disorder, circulation disorders to the hands and legs, arthritis of shoulders, and eye disorder were all denied as they are not related to service or due to a service-connected condition.