Shoulder Board decisions

The Veteran's left shoulder disorder manifests in pain, but the limitation of motion is greater than 25 degrees to the side. There was no apparent additional functional impairment due to pain during range of motion exercises, repetitive use, fatigueability or weakness.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims for service connection for residuals of a head injury, low back disability and right shoulder disability.

The Board finds that the Veteran's left shoulder disorder, diagnosed as moderate bicep tendonitis and AC joint mild arthritis, is likely related to injury incurred during active military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for initial ratings in excess of 10 percent for his right and left shoulder arthritis, status post decompression of the subacromial joint.

The Board has denied all service connection claims, finding no evidence of chronic disabilities in service or for many years thereafter. The Veteran's lay statements regarding inservice incidents are not sufficient to establish service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right shoulder myositis is a residual of an injury sustained during Active Duty for Training (ACDUTRA), and thus service connection is granted.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability was granted a rating of 10 percent effective June 2002, and increased to 20 percent effective September 5, 2006.,The Veteran's low back disability was initially rated at 10 percent in June 2002. As of September 5, 2006, the rating was increased to 20 percent.,The Veteran's right knee disability was granted a separate 10 percent rating for painful flexion effective June 1, 2002.,The Veteran's left shoulder disability was initially rated at 10 percent in June 2002. As of June 1, 2002, the Veteran received a separate 10 percent rating based on painful flexion.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his left shoulder disability is being remanded due to the need for further development, including scheduling another VA examination.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability has been rated at 50 percent since May 1, 2004. The Board denied the request for a higher rating and did not grant an extension of the temporary total evaluation beyond April 31, 2004.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral shoulder disorder and an increased evaluation for left foot fracture. The Veteran failed to report for a VA examination scheduled in conjunction with his claim for a bilateral shoulder disorder, and there is no medical evidence indicating a nexus between any current shoulder condition and service.

The April 2009 rating decision upheld the reduction of the Veteran's right shoulder disability evaluation from 50 percent to 10 percent, effective October 1, 2006. The Board found that the proposed reduction was proper based on improvement in the Veteran's condition.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that his arthritis of the knees and right shoulder disorder are service-connected based on direct evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his adjustment disorder, right shoulder tendinitis, right arm radiculopathy, cervical spine condition, pes planus, and pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted the Veteran's TDIU claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, bowel incontinence, headaches, and erectile dysfunction as secondary to his service-connected cervical spine disability. The claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for myositis of the right shoulder was also denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions were denied. The Board found that the claimed disabilities are not related to his active duty.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for her service-connected left and right shoulder disabilities were denied as the evidence did not show that they warranted a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied. The issue of service connection for a bilateral shoulder condition as secondary to the service-connected residuals of a shell fragment wound to the right hand is pending.

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

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's bilateral shoulder disability, finding that new and material evidence supports a claim of service connection. The disability is diagnosed as bilateral rotator cuff tendonitis and scapulocostal syndrome.