Shoulder Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left shoulder rotator cuff tears are being remanded due to incomplete records. The VA will attempt to verify the dates of active duty, ACDUTRA, and INACDUTRA periods during which the injuries occurred.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. His lumbar spine condition was rated at 10 percent, his knee conditions were not compensable, his shoulder bursitis did not meet criteria for a higher rating, his wrist fracture had no compensable disability rating, his foot hallux valgus conditions were not compensable, and he did not receive service connection for a left hip condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current left shoulder disability and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected shoulder and knee disabilities are being remanded to the RO for further development, including a VA examination.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for an evaluation in excess of 30 percent for his service-connected post-operative right shoulder impingement syndrome, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is not eligible for continued REAP benefits due to his status as an inactive member of the National Guard, and did not re-affiliate within 12 months. The claim must be denied based on a lack of entitlement under the law.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the extent and etiology of any current right shoulder disability, as it relates to service. The Veteran's active duty for training (ACDUTRA) included periods from November 1965 to May 1966, with additional ACDUTRA over the subsequent five years.

The Board found that the Veteran's pre-existing left shoulder condition was not aggravated by service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current diagnoses of a neck disability or a left shoulder disability. The right shoulder arthritis is currently diagnosed, but it is not service-connected as there is no evidence linking the current condition to service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his left shoulder disability has been granted, with a rating of 30 percent effective October 4, 2008. An earlier effective date prior to this rating is not warranted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development to determine if his right hand and arm neurological problems are related to his service-connected right shoulder disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development and consideration of his claims.

The Veteran's tinnitus is related to in-service acoustic trauma and service connection for this condition has been granted. The Board finds that the Veteran's right and left shoulder disabilities are less likely than not related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's claims for right shoulder arthritis, left shoulder arthritis, and arthritis of the side of the head are denied as there is no competent evidence of current disabilities. The service connection claim for DDD of the cervical spine remains in effect.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a right ankle condition and left ankle condition were denied. The Veteran was granted an initial 20 percent disability rating for lumbar strain myositis but not higher. His claim for an increased rating for his right knee status post meniscal repair and anterior cruciate ligament rupture, with residual pain was denied. Service connection for hepatitis C was also denied. He was denied a compensable rating for bilateral tinnitus and for bilateral, moderate, sensorineural hearing loss.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for a left ankle condition and right shoulder disability were denied. The Veteran was granted an initial 10 percent disability rating for status post repair of rotator cuff and labral tear and impingement syndrome of the right shoulder but not higher. His claim for hepatitis C was also denied. He was denied a compensable rating for bilateral tinnitus and for bilateral, moderate, sensorineural hearing loss.

The Board has denied service connection for a right shoulder condition, right knee disorder, and right ankle disorder due to the lack of evidence of current disabilities. The Veteran's claims for hernia condition and hearing loss are pending as additional development is required.,Service records indicate possible onset of an umbilical hernia during service, but further medical examination is needed to confirm this potential relationship.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's right shoulder disorder is being remanded for further examination and opinion to determine its etiology.

The Veteran's right knee condition is rated at 10 percent, and his left biceps tendonitis prior to May 27, 2004 was also rated at 10 percent. From May 1, 2007 onwards, the Veteran's post-arthroplasty left biceps tendonitis is rated at 50 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions are not related to his active military service and have denied all of his claims.