Shoulder Board decisions

The Board found that the Veteran did not file a timely substantive appeal in response to the July 20, 2007 SOC regarding her claims for higher initial ratings. As such, her appeals were denied.

The Board has granted an initial evaluation of 30 percent for nephrolithiasis, effective from the date of service connection.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating and earlier effective date for pain in the shoulders, knees, and ankles was denied. The RO granted service connection based on new evidence but did not issue a final decision.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and affording the Veteran an opportunity to provide additional evidence.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound status is denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation since March 22, 2006. Prior to that date, he was able to secure and follow such an occupation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for an injury to the coccyx, a left shoulder disability, and dizziness and vertigo, all claimed as secondary to his service-connected cervical spine disability. The Board found that these conditions were not incurred or aggravated by service.

The Board has denied all issues on appeal except the claim for a higher initial evaluation for tinnitus, which is addressed in the decision.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including an examination by a VA orthopedic physician to determine if the Veteran's service-connected left knee condition caused or aggravated her right shoulder disorder.

The Board has denied the Veteran's petitions to reopen his service connection claims for left and right shoulder disabilities, fatigue, and fibromyalgia. The claims were not reopened as new and material evidence was not submitted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left elbow, left shoulder, bilateral knee, and hypertension disorders due to a lack of competent evidence showing current disabilities or in-service incurrence.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for a shoulder disorder and hearing loss. The evidence submitted does not show that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for a gastrointestinal disability. The Veteran's right shoulder and bilateral foot disabilities are not currently addressed in the decision.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability, which is already rated at 40 percent, does not warrant a higher rating as there is no evidence of nonunion of the humerus or loss of head of the humerus.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and failure to obtain SSA records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for an appropriate VA examination to determine the severity of his service-connected low back, right hip, and right shoulder disabilities.

The Board denied increased ratings for left shoulder and left hip disabilities, finding that the current ratings of 20 percent were appropriate based on limitation of motion with additional functional impairment due to painful motion and weakness.

The Board has granted increased ratings for the Veteran's right shoulder disability, right knee instability as a residual of removal of an osteochondroma of the right distal medial femur, and right hip disability as a residual of removal of an osteochondroma of the right distal medial femur. The rating for major depression remains at 30 percent.

The Board denied service connection for a right leg disability and bilateral shoulder strain, finding no evidence of such conditions during or after active service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA and private medical records and arranging for a VA examination during a flare-up of his disabilities.