Shoulder Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of direct service connection for most conditions, and there was no indication of any exposure to known causative agents.

The Veteran's cause of death was due to adenocarcinoma of the colon, which is not service-connected. The Board found that none of his service-connected conditions caused or contributed substantially or materially to his death.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations to assess the severity of the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, Type II, complications, hernia residuals, eye disorders, vascular disease, neuropathy, nephropathy, and erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board grants a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his right shoulder disability, finding that the evidence did not support such a higher rating based on the criteria provided by VA.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing supplemental opinions from a VA examiner. The Veteran's claims of service connection for thoracolumbar spine disability and arthritis of the shoulders are on appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left shoulder tendonitis and ulcerative colitis are service-connected. The Veteran's left shoulder tendonitis is linked to his in-service treatment, while his ulcerative colitis is linked to symptoms he experienced during service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right shoulder disability, to include as secondary to his service-connected left shoulder disability is being remanded due to the need for further examination and development of the record.

The Veteran's initial increased ratings for right shoulder and left hip degenerative changes have been granted, with a rating of 10 percent effective August 1, 2007.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability, characterized by limited range of motion, has been rated at 30 percent since the appeal period began. This rating is based on limitation of motion under Diagnostic Code 5201.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have current diagnoses of head, neck, shoulder, back, hip, knee, or tremor disorders related to his military service, including a claimed motorcycle accident. As such, service connection for these conditions was denied.

The Veteran's appeal for increased evaluations was withdrawn, and the Board dismissed the claims as there is no longer an active issue regarding the left shoulder mal-union fracture. The issues of entitlement to increased evaluations for residuals of a left elbow fracture and back strain with degenerative disc disease were not granted.

The Board found no evidence of a current disability related to the Veteran's service for his left elbow and bilateral hand, wrist, shoulder, and ankle conditions. The right elbow strain was granted as service connected.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current condition is at least as likely as not related to his military service. The issues of service connection for a right shoulder disability and a bilateral hearing loss disability are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a travel Board hearing. The issues include service connection for various foot and knee conditions, as well as reopening of previously denied claims.

The Veteran's initial and increased rating claims for his service-connected right shoulder strain and right knee disability have been granted, with a 30 percent rating assigned effective March 11, 2009.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder tendonitis and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome are not service-connected. The right shoulder disorder is attributed to a workplace injury unrelated to active service, while the carpal tunnel syndromes are due to or aggravated by an injury incurred during inactive duty for training.

The Veteran's death was not caused by any service-connected condition, and the Board finds that his suicide does not meet the criteria for willful misconduct resulting in suicide.

The Board denied service connection for muscle spasms of the neck and shoulder blades, but reopened the claim. The new evidence established a current diagnosis of degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine, which is considered a chronic disability resulting from active duty service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for muscle pains, thoracolumbar spine disorder, bilateral shin splints, and muscle and joint pains due to an undiagnosed illness. The claim for increased ratings for retropatellar pain syndrome of both knees and headaches have also been denied.